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

#3 Brazil's onslaught in the second half

Douglas Costa's introduction changed the game for Brazil

At half-time, Brazil coach Tite had seen enough and knew he had to make a change. Out came Willian who had been very ineffective in the first 45 minutes out on the right and in came Douglas Costa.

Compared to Willian (who had been dispossessed three times in the first half), Costa was a man with intent and was able to find space out on the right to ease the creative burden on Neymar on the opposite flank.

With both the right and left sides to deal with on a consistent basis now, Costa Rica's defence was stretched and it allowed Gabriel Jesus to find space in the box. Had his header found the target instead of the crossbar, an early second-half goal could have opened the floodgates.

Douglas Costa completed 100% of his take-ons against Costa Rica:• 5 attempted• 5 completedHe completed more than any other player on the pitch despite coming on at half-time. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ReY6JFvktn

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 22, 2018

Even Coutinho, who usually plays on the edge of the box, was able to find space inside the box and it was only some last-ditch defending that stood in the way of Brazil and opening the scoring.

But their main creator was Paulinho. The Barcelona midfielder was a constant threat in the box and his physicality allowed him to win the ball, shield it, and make the final pass three times in the first 15 minutes alone.