Brazil vs Costa Rica: 5 Talking Points, World Cup 2018

#2 Brazil frustrated by organised Costa Rica defence

Costa Rica successfully appeal for an offside decision

In the first 45 minutes, Brazil had seven shots on goal. Only one was on target. By who? Marcelo - which was dealt with by Real Madrid teammate Keylor Navas.

Costa Rica were very solid at the back and always tracked back in numbers to deny Brazil any space in the final third.

Despite deploying a 3-4-2-1 formation, wing-backs Cristian Gamboa and Bryan Oviedo were ever ready to sprint back when Costa Rica lost the ball. Gamboa himself was instrumental in keeping Neymar and co in check on the flank, making three tackles in the first half alone.

The 3-4-2-1 became a 5-4-1 when Brazil attacked and Tite's side struggled to make inroads into Costa Rica's box. Gabriel Jesus was well-marked and rarely managed to get a shot off.

Jesus did find the back of the net but Oscar Duarte had timed his step up perfectly to leave the Manchester City forward in an offside position when he received the ball.

11 - Since the beginning of the World Cup 2018, 11 of the 24 encounteers have finished on a nil-nil at the half-time (45.8%). Nap. #BRACRC #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Q5Q4gqJ2wD

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 22, 2018

Even the second half saw Brazil struggle to break down Costa Rica and it was only in stoppage time that they scored twice to win all three points.