Game 3: Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica
Group E, Game 3: Brazil 2 Costa Rica 0
Zenit Arena, 1300, 22/6/18
Better Late Than Never
Crikey, this was hard work. Not just for Brazil but for me having to put up with ITV again but this time with added Hoddle. The commentator had various attempts at pronouncing the name of Fagner, Brazil's 3rd choice right back. He eventually opted for something that rhymed with Waggoner: why not Wagner you gimp?
Thiago Silva was the lucky winner of Brazil's armband and both teams wore their second strips. Either the kit manufacturers demand this, or Brazil were avoiding a colour clash with the officials. Lord alone knows why Costa Rica were in white. They also made one change with Oviedo in from the start.
Both sides were happy to knock the ball about early doors. Hoddle reckoned Ruiz was playing on the left to avoid having to track Marcelo's forward runs – probably the most rational remark he has made in Russia. In fact, Fagner was just as keen on attacking so he eventually swapped sides again.
Neymar's first free-kick was easily cleared. Then Casemiro got a nosebleed. On 13m Costa Rica should have gone ahead. Gamboa's cross picked out Borges but he stuck his shot wide. Neymar was being fouled a lot but did little with most free kicks. Then on 22m he put a peach of a cross on Silva's head but he put it wide.
Coutinho was having a decent game. I was shocked to see him cut in from the left and curl his shot WIDE! By now Brazil were well on top but could not break down CR's stubborn defence. Marcelo drew a decent save from Navas on 41m but half time arrived, still 0-0.
Willian was hooked at half time with Douglas Costa replacing him. Brazil looked a tad quicker now and Navas had to grab a ball off Neymar's toe. Next, Jesus' header hit the bar, then Coutinho had a shot blocked on the line. Brazil were knocking but were not being let in.
Urena was replaced by Bolanos but CR stayed on the back foot. On 68m Brazil took off Paulinho and sent on Firmino. Navas was kept busy without having to make any great saves. Then, on 78m, Neymar went over in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. VAR suggested he have another look after which he gave a free kick against Neymar, for diving.
With 5m left another Coutinho shot was curled straight into Navas' grasp. CR's time-wasting earned 6 added minutes but, in the first of these, Brazil finally broke through. Marcelo's left wing cross was nodded down by Firmino. Jesus touched it on, intending to turn and shoot, but Coutinho broke into the box and smashed it through the keeper's legs. 1-0.
Brazil immediately sent on Fernandinho for Jesus but Brazil continued to make chances. Coutinho set up Firmino but he shot wide. Then, on 97m, the impressive Douglas Costa got down the right. His cross took out Navas and was tapped home by Neymar. 2-0 after all that.
Second half Brazil certainly stepped it up. They moved the ball quicker and made enough chances to bury most sides. Costa Rica did well to hold out for 90m – shame they had to play 97m
Zenit Arena, 1300, 22/6/18
Better Late Than Never
Crikey, this was hard work. Not just for Brazil but for me having to put up with ITV again but this time with added Hoddle. The commentator had various attempts at pronouncing the name of Fagner, Brazil's 3rd choice right back. He eventually opted for something that rhymed with Waggoner: why not Wagner you gimp?
Thiago Silva was the lucky winner of Brazil's armband and both teams wore their second strips. Either the kit manufacturers demand this, or Brazil were avoiding a colour clash with the officials. Lord alone knows why Costa Rica were in white. They also made one change with Oviedo in from the start.
Both sides were happy to knock the ball about early doors. Hoddle reckoned Ruiz was playing on the left to avoid having to track Marcelo's forward runs – probably the most rational remark he has made in Russia. In fact, Fagner was just as keen on attacking so he eventually swapped sides again.
Neymar's first free-kick was easily cleared. Then Casemiro got a nosebleed. On 13m Costa Rica should have gone ahead. Gamboa's cross picked out Borges but he stuck his shot wide. Neymar was being fouled a lot but did little with most free kicks. Then on 22m he put a peach of a cross on Silva's head but he put it wide.
Coutinho was having a decent game. I was shocked to see him cut in from the left and curl his shot WIDE! By now Brazil were well on top but could not break down CR's stubborn defence. Marcelo drew a decent save from Navas on 41m but half time arrived, still 0-0.
Willian was hooked at half time with Douglas Costa replacing him. Brazil looked a tad quicker now and Navas had to grab a ball off Neymar's toe. Next, Jesus' header hit the bar, then Coutinho had a shot blocked on the line. Brazil were knocking but were not being let in.
Urena was replaced by Bolanos but CR stayed on the back foot. On 68m Brazil took off Paulinho and sent on Firmino. Navas was kept busy without having to make any great saves. Then, on 78m, Neymar went over in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. VAR suggested he have another look after which he gave a free kick against Neymar, for diving.
With 5m left another Coutinho shot was curled straight into Navas' grasp. CR's time-wasting earned 6 added minutes but, in the first of these, Brazil finally broke through. Marcelo's left wing cross was nodded down by Firmino. Jesus touched it on, intending to turn and shoot, but Coutinho broke into the box and smashed it through the keeper's legs. 1-0.
Brazil immediately sent on Fernandinho for Jesus but Brazil continued to make chances. Coutinho set up Firmino but he shot wide. Then, on 97m, the impressive Douglas Costa got down the right. His cross took out Navas and was tapped home by Neymar. 2-0 after all that.
Second half Brazil certainly stepped it up. They moved the ball quicker and made enough chances to bury most sides. Costa Rica did well to hold out for 90m – shame they had to play 97m
