Philippe Coutinho and Neymar's stoppage time strikes saved Brazil's blushes in a 2-0 win over Costa Rica in World Cup Group E. Costa Rica now cannot reach the last 16 but put up a determined fight against the five-times champions.
Brazil had been frustrated by Costa Rica's tight defence and goalkeeper Keylor Navas, before referee Bjorn Kuipers infuriated the South Americans by awarding them a penalty and then wiping it out after watching the replay.
The Dutch official pointed to the spot when Neymar appeared to be held back by Giancarlo Gonzalez in the penalty area, but after using the VAR system to view the incident again, he changed his mind.
As it looked like Brazil were going to follow up their 1-1 tie with Switzerland with another draw, Coutinho burst into the box to reach Roberto Firmino's header and drilled it past Navas, before Neymar added a second.
The win leaves Brazil top of the group on four points, before Serbia face Switzerland later Friday. Another round of group matches remain. Brazil started slowly, with Coutinho's rising effort over the crossbar the only threat they posed Costa Rica in the opening stages. Celso Borges wasted a fine chance at the other end when he fired wide from 12 metres.
However, Tite's team began to find their way in down the left flank with Marcelo and Neymar a constant menace. Gabriel Jesus slammed home after 26 minutes when a Marcelo shot found its way to him in the area but the goal was correctly disallowed for offside.
Tite swapped the disappointing Willian for Douglas Costa at half-time in a bid to inject some urgency into Brazil's game and it worked. The Juventus winger crossed for Jesus, who headed against the crossbar, with Cristian Gamboa then deflecting Coutinho's effort wide as Brazil started the second half determined to break the deadlock.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Navas then pulled off a spectacular save to deny Neymar from close range, as the game opened up.
The 26-year-old Paris St. Germain winger then curled narrowly wide after bursting in to intercept a slack defensive pass. Neymar's frustration increased after Kuipers pointed to the spot before changing his mind after watching the replay of his clash with Gonzalez on the VAR system.
The Brazilian was then booked for furiously beating the ball into the ground when an attack was halted by the referee so a Costa Rica player could receive treatment. Six minutes of stoppage time were added and Coutinho netted in the first of them, scoring his second goal of the tournament by arriving at the right place at the right time.
Neymar, who burst into tears at the end of the game, netted his 56th goal for Brazil in the last minute of injury time after a quick breakaway.

Source: Marca

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