It wasn't the best of performances, but Brazil dominated Costa Rica from kickoff to the final whistle in Friday's critical 2-0 victory.
Finishing is becoming a bigger problem, because the team again had the monopoly of the ball, but had trouble scoring. It looked like the match would end in a scoreless draw until Philippe Coutinho and Neymar scored to seal Brazil's first victory in this World Cup.
Positives
Brazil never gave up, even when pressed by the clock. Coutinho was the best player once again, but he received more support from his attacking partners this time. Coach Tite made the right changes at the right time and can take a lot of credit for this much-needed victory.
Negatives
Despite winning, the pressure for a result seemed to take its toll. Brazil again had problems with refereeing decisions, and when that happened the team lost focus. Individually, Willian had a game to forget and was replaced at half time.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Tite did the right thing by replacing Willian with Douglas Costa, adding speed and a player who could win his one-on-one duels on the right. That replacement changed the mood of the team. He also looked for pressure higher up the field with Roberto Firmino for Paulinho. Firmino participated in the first goal and Costa in the second.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Alisson, 5 -- He could have remained in the dressing room. There were no Costa Rica chances, so he made no saves at all.
DF Fagner, 6 -- Very neat with his defensive assignments and played a more active role in attack than Danilo usually does.
DF Thiago Silva, 6 -- On the very few ocasions he was needed, he performed.
DF Miranda, 6 -- Always safe, he saved Brazil in what could have been a crucial play in the second half.
DF Marcelo, 6 -- Did not play at his best, but was a great attacking option several times. He started the move that ended with the crucial opening goal.
MF Casemiro, 5 -- Below average. Missed too many passes.
MF Philippe Coutinho, 7 -- Man of the Match once more. Tried every possible way and scored the goal that opened the way to victory.
MF Paulinho, 5 -- Off to a bad start, he improved in the second half and created good chances on the right side. Ended up being replaced.
FW Willian, 4 -- Lost the ball several times in the first half. He did not return in the second and the team improved.
FW Neymar, 6 -- He tried once and again to put himself in a position to score, but Costa Rica managed to keep him under control. He was frustrated and argued too much with the referee, especially when he thought he had won a penalty that was eventually overturned with the help of VAR. In the end, his effort was rewarded with a goal.
FW Gabriel Jesus, 6 -- Moved along the front of attack to offer himself as an option. He was denied by the crossbar, but played a key role in the first goal.
Substitutes
FW Roberto Firmino, 6 -- He did exactly what he was asked to do -- add men to the attack and put more pressure on Costa Rica higher up the field. He played his role perfectly in the first goal.
FW Douglas Costa, 6 -- He was a great attacking option, wide open on the right, which helped the team improve in the second half. Assisted Neymar for the second goal.
MF Fernandinho, N/R -- Entered the game in time added on for stoppages.