World Cup: Coutinho, Neymar hand Brazil first victory

Saint Petersburg (Russia), June 22 (IANS) Philippe Coutinho and Neymar Junior scored late in the second half as Brazil ensured their passage to the second round with a hard earned 2-0 win over Costa Rica in a Group E clash of the FIFA World Cup here on Friday.

Both Brazilians struck in the second half added time at the Saint Petersburg Stadium to hand the five-time World Cup winners their first victory in the tournament.

Brazil, who were held 1-1 by Switzerland on Sunday, now have four points from two matches.

After Friday's loss, Costa Rica's chances of advancing are over as they had suffered a 0-1 defeat in their campaign opener against Serbia.

Brazil will have to beat Serbia in their third and last match while Costa Rica will take on Switzerland on June 27.

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