SAMARA, Russia - Costa Rica's 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign started in frustrating fashion with a 1-0 defeat to Serbia in Group E action on Sunday afternoon at the Samara Arena in Samara, Russia.
Aleksandar Kolarov fired in a free kick in the 56' to earn the three points for the Europeans.
It was a breathtaking first half, with both teams looking to attack. The Ticos had the first chance but a Marco Urena shot in the 4' was smothered by Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojvovic.
At the other end Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas was at his usual best, making a number of saves to deny Serbia of the opener.
Costa Rica continued to work its way through the first 45 minutes and buzzing long-range effort from Francisco Calvo in the 42' almost surprised Stojkovic but the ball went wide.
The deadlock remained until the 56' when Serbia won a free kick on the left side of the Costa Rica box and Kolarov swung a left-footed shot that curled into the top right corner of the net to hand Serbia a 1-0 lead.
Costa Rica boss Oscar Ramirez made a trio of changes in hopes of an equalizer, with Cristian Bolanos replacing Johan Venegas, Joel Campbell on for Marco Urena and David Guzman making way for Daniel Colindres.
However, the Serbia defense would prove too difficult to overcome for Costa Rica, who were defeated in their opening match at a World Cup for just the second time (2002).
