Costa Rica 0-1 Serbia
Tournaments such as FIFA 2018 is where stars are born or prove their greatness and influence.
Alternatively, there have been SBOBET predictions which have simply failed to live up to expectations as big names flattered to deceive on the world stage.
Well, this was very much the former.
Step forward Serbia captain Aleksandar Kolarov.
With his side lacking drive and intensity, the former Man City fullback produced a moment of genuine quality that will certainly be part of the FIFA 2018 highlights when all is said and done.
His sublime free-kick 11 minutes after the break—with skill and power to get the ball over a wall and into the one area the opposing goalkeeper could not reach—was simply world class.
Not bad for a veteran who hurt himself in the warm-up but was declared fit to play!
Highlights of the game
The Mexican wave which went around the Samara Arena in Russia inside 20 minutes was presumably a term of endearment rather than a sign of boredom, sometimes associated with such action. After all, there was an adventurous start to this Group E clash by both sides.
Serbia always posed a physical threat, while Los Ticos’ technical skills were clear to see.
With Johan Venegas a livewire on the left, Costa Rica always had an outlet. However, they wasted a gilt-edged opportunity in the 12th minute when Giancarlo Gonzalez got his header all wrong from a David Guzman cross.
Again, like the previous match in the tournament (Nigeria vs Croatia), this was the first-ever meeting between the two nations.
And again, after the initial stages, the more experienced European outfit started to take a modicum of control without ever finding their first-half rhythm.
With an exciting mix of youth and experience—Nemanja Matic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, alongside Adem Ljajic and Dusan Tadic—Serbia possess a midfield of skill and imagination.
In, Milinkovic-Savic they have a talent of real potential and a 23-year-old who scored 12 Serie A goals for Lazio last season.
Yet, the Gonzalez chance remained the best and Costa Rica came closest again four minutes before the break when Venegas teamed up with Francisco Calvo who drilled a left-footed shot narrowly wide.
Serbia gave a glimpse of their intentions just before half-time when a well-executed overhead kick from Sergej forced an important save from three-time Champions League winner Keylor Navas—an offside flag was raised but VAR would surely have been consulted had it gone in.
The balance remained the same immediately after the break, with Costa Rica more lively and direct. Nonetheless, Serbia were more controlled and took the momentum.
Navas denied a hesitant Aleksandar Mitrovic when it looked like the deadlock would be broken but, minutes later, came the moment of individual magic from their skipper.
Mitrovic should have scored again in the closing stages but was found wanting.
Fortunately for Serbia, it didn’t matter.
Costa Rica reached the quarter-finals last time and topped a qualifying group which comprised Uruguay, Italy and England, sending the latter two on their way.
Does lightning strike twice? Their attitude means they have a chance but a repeat of their 2014 heroics would be a big ask. FIFA 2018 odds suggest it is unlikely.
Key statistics
This was a proud day for former Chelsea favourite Branislav Ivanovic as he became Serbia’s most capped player, winning his 104th cap to take him above previous record holder Dejan Stankovic.
Moreover, Kolarov’s free-kick was the third scored so far in the competition, equalling the tally of the whole 2014 tournament!
For Costa Rica, meanwhile, the defeat is only their second opening match loss in a World Cup. They last lost an opening match in 2006 against Germany.
And for what it’s worth, they won their opener against Uruguay 3-1 in the 2014 version of the event.
Also, where else but the World Cup would you get coaches of such varying quirkiness?
Costa Rica coach Oscar Ramirez, who played for his country in Italia ’90 when they famously defeated Scotland, promised to shave his head if they reached the finals and consulted a local priest for advice before accepting the job.
His Serbian counterpart Mladen Krstajic owns a distillery and runs a local motel in his spare time.
He also announced his squad for this World Cup at a local petrol station!
What’s next?
Costa Rica will next face five-time winners Brazil who are coming off a 1-1 draw with Switzerland. With the chance to move on to the next round at stake, the two nations are expected to play with much more urgency.
Meanwhile, Serbia play Switzerland in Kaliningrad Stadium. One more win for the Serbians will almost assure their place in the knockout stages, though the Swiss will certainly be keen to stop them from doing so.
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