Coutinho, Neymar score as Brazil beat hard fighting Costa Rica 2-0
- Brazil finally got a well-deserved win after Philippe Coutinho and Neymar’s added time goals
- The high-point of the match remains Neymar’s penalty call the 77th minute which was turned down after the use of VAR
- The South American nation will battle Serbia in their last Group E match
South American giants’ Brazil finally got a well-deserved win after Philippe Coutinho and Neymar’s added time goals help break down the hard fighting Costa Rica 2-0 in Friday’s Group E fixture at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg.
The Brazilians who were yet to record a win at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, played out a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their opening game, and were close to record another draw before the former Liverpool man struck.
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Interestingly, Liverpool’s forward Roberto Firmino almost made in two but his effort missed target by whiskers.
Fortunately, the Brazilians’ were again rewarded in the last minute of the added time when Selecao superstar, Neymar got the second goal with a tap in.
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During the encounter, South American created numerous goals scoring opportunities but their opponents held their own, especially in the first stanza that ended 0-0.
The second half equally failed to produce a goal until the dying moments. One of the top miseses of the encounter remains Neymar’s glorious chance In the 71st minute but the PSG star failed to convert for the Selecao.
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However, the highpoint of the match remains Neymar’s penalty call in the 77th minute after he was alleged to have been pulled down in the vital area.
But that was not to be because Netherlands’ Centre referee, Björn Kuipers used Video Assisted Referee (VAR) to turn down the penalty decision.
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The 2-0 victory have now pushed Brazil to the top of Group E log, but that might change at the end of the day after Switzerland battle Serbia in the other Group E fixture late Friday.
Interestingly, going into the game, Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus Gabriel Jesus lead the line for Selecao as his club-mate, Danilo dropped out due to a tight injury.
In fact that was the only change made by coach Tite to the team that started the opener against Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Brazil's coach Tite has denied talks that he wanted Neymar to be 'less selfish' during the all-important match against Costa Rica.
Speaking after the team’s training session on Thursday, Tite was pushed to the wall that he had to speak to journalists on ground over the allegation that he told Neymar to be 'less selfish' and play with mates during Brazil’s second group match.
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Source: Legit.ng
