Advertisement
Brazil goalscorer Neymar with (left) Casemiro and (right) Douglas Costa. EMPICS Sport

Late goals from big names Coutinho and Neymar hand Brazil first win of the tournament

The Barcelona attacker bagged his second of the competition, before their talisman added another against a dogged Costa Rica side.

WORLD CUP CONTENDERS Brazil got their tournament up-and-running thanks to two late goals against hard-working Costa Rica in St Petersburg.

Having dropped points against Switzerland in their opening group game, the five-time winners found two injury-time strikes as Philippe Coutinho scored his second in as many matches, before Neymar doubled their advantage in a 2-0 victory.

Gabriel Jesus had a goal disallowed in the first half, and the Manchester City forward also hit the crossbar after the break.

It looked as though Brazil had earned a penalty when referee Bjorn Kuipers pointed to the spot on 77 minutes, but the Dutchman changed his mind with the help of VAR and gave a free-kick to Costa Rica for a dive from Neymar.

With time running out, however, Barcelona schemer Coutinho popped up to make the breakthrough with substitute Roberto Firmino and Jesus also involved.

And Neymar scored his first of the competition on 97 minutes to make sure of the result. Serbia meet Switzerland in the other Group E game this evening (7pm), while Nigeria face Iceland in Group D at 4pm.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

‘Are you a bit mad?’ – American TV presenter kisses Martin O’Neill on the head

Lovren believes Croatia can surpass achievements of 1998 World Cup heroes

Author
Ben Blake
View 40 comments
Close
40 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel