SAINT PETERSBURG, June 22 (Xinhua) -- In the game against Costa Rica which was full of tension at Saint Petersburg Stadium here on Friday, two goals at the injury time brought Brazil their first victory at this World Cup.
Brazil had several good chances, while Philippe Coutinho seized his last at the injury time after an unmarked substitute Roberto Firmino sent the ball into the box. Gabriel Jesus tried to control it but the Barcelona midfielder Coutinho powered it home.
The goal has clearly revived the pitch, after tempo of the game upon full-time stroke was slowed down with falling and ruling.
Eight minutes later Neymar, receiving from Douglas Costa at the left, prodded the ball into the net from close range to seal the match.
Following the whistle that ended the match, he sank to his knees in tears.
The victory lifted Brazil to top of the group.
Brazil, five-time champion of World Cup, disappointed on their World Cup opener as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Rostov-On-Don on Sunday night.
Both sides are keen to score. Brazil, already unbeaten in their recent 12 matches, looked for their first victory at the World Cup so as to reach the last 16. While Costa Rica, who trailed 9-1 in the previous record against their opponents and haven't won over the former since 1960, were likely to be out in case of another defeat.
The first chance for Costa Rica came in the 13th minute, when Celtic defender Cristian Gamboa blazed down the right and curled the ball to Celso Borges, who struck the ball wide of the right post.
Brazil gradually grew into the game, with Gabriel Jesus slammed the ball into the net, but he was clearly offside.
Then Phillippe Coutinho clipped an overhead pass, and Neymar bore the ball to charge down to the box. But the Paris Saint-Germain forward was blocked by goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
Later Marcelo fired from the distance. It was a shot on target. Luckily Keylor Navas managed to hold the ball.
The second half was proved intense, as Brazil appeared more aggressive from the beginning, with mounting threats in Costa Rica's half. But it was difficult to translate the attack into scores.
Neymar, receiving from Philippe, almost scored before he took out Keylor Navas amid scramble. Then on the hour mark, his strike was palmed again by the Real Madrid goalkeeper.
Something dramatic happened in the 79th minute, when Neymar fell after what seemed to be a foul from Giancario Gonzalez. A penalty was expected.
In front of nearly 64,500 spectators, however, VAR was checked and the penalty was not given.
With four points in two games, Brazil now top Group E. Costa Rica, on the other hand, are in a grim situation after two defeats.
Brazil will play their last group match next Wednesday, against Serbia, while Costa Rica will face Switzerland at the same time.
