Brazil 2 ( Countinho , Neymar ) : Costa Rica 0

Brazil scored twice against Costa Rica in the added time to the sigh of relief of its world wide admirers. It was smart looking Brazil dominating all the way , several goal potential moves were either not directed towards the target or brilliant Navas was in between. Resolute Costa Rica could manage to hold Brazil 0-0 till full time. But Costa Ricans broke down in 6 minutes added time. Philippe Coutinho and Neymar came to the rescue for Brazil finding the net from hand shaking distances to keep their HEXA Mission alive.

Brazil has won 10 of 11 matches they played against Costa Rica in all competition losing only a friendly match in 1960. Costa Rica remains winless over their last 5 world cup matches.This world cup has actually become a teasing and testing time for all pre tournament favorites. Every team appears with lot of home works against every other team. Argentina and Germany are in very tight spots. Brazil was almost there. Luck was on their way. Brazil looked like winning in full time. Several chances came their way. Marcelo created so many smart moves, Neymar worked over time. Several times Brazilians shot at the target. One header stuck the bar, Navas saved few. A controversial penalty was overruled through VAR. Costa Rica had some good moves in the first half. But Brazil defense soaked those. Second half was one way terrific.

Unlike Argentina, Brazil did not let Costa Rica any space in the mid field .They came running incessantly towards Costa Rica business area. But even after all these full time score was 0-0. Six minutes time was added. Finally, hard working Coutinho tapped home (1-0) on 91 minutes. The ice was broken. Spurred by that goal Brazil stunned the Costa Ricans with another goal in the dying minutes. This time, Neymar (2-0) to cap his toil whole day. He engineered a few brilliant moves and struck a few drives without success.

Referee awarded penalty in favor of Brazil when Neymar fell down from a soft touch. However, VAR over ruled. We are sure this will be discussed .Neymar over reacts. At time, it appears silly.

Anyway this win clears cloud from Brazil sky. Their HEXA mission is back on course. Their talisman Neymar has good assists from Marcelo to Coutinho unlike Messi. Brazil has solid defense and very proactive mid field.

Tite appeared much smarter than Argentine coach in working out strategy, selecting first XI and substitutions. In tight matches, this would matter. Off course, Brazil has quality reserve bench.  Brazil plays Croatia in the third match. While Costa Ricans mission is all but over.

BDST: 1056 HRS, JUN 23, 2018

AH