A stunning Aleksandar Kolarov free-kick earned Serbia a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in Group E.
Below are four talking points from the Samara Arena.
1. Kolarov gives Serbia first World Cup win since 2010
Serbia dominated possession in the first half and spent much of the game in Costa Rica’s half of the field, but the CONCACAF nation created just as many chances. Los Ticos’ defensive shape forced Serbia to attack down the right flank, with Branislav Ivanovic encouraged to cross into the box from deep. Dusan Tadic had some bright moments but Serbia often struggled to break the lines with their passing, which made them easier to defend against.
They did create some better opportunities after the break, but the goal came from a superb Kolarov strike from a dead ball. Following Aleksandr Golovin and Cristiano Ronaldo’s efforts, there have now been as many direct free-kicks scored at the 2018 World Cup as there were in the entire tournament four years ago.
2. Costa Rica don’t offer enough in attack
Costa Rica’s defensive organisation was good in the first half, with their 5-4-1 formation making life difficult for Serbia. They had a few promising moments in attack in the first 20 minutes: two free headers were wasted from set-pieces, while Bryan Ruiz’s creativity and Urena’s runs in behind posed occasional problems for Mladen Krstajic's men.
They did not offer much of a threat after the first quarter of the game, though, and they were unable to ask enough questions of their opponents after falling behind. Costa Rica simply did not look comfortable when forced to play with the ball, and they struggled to turn possession into meaningful chances. This is a team built to defend stoutly and break quickly on the counter-attack, but they failed to adjust when the scoreline forced a change in approach.
- Colossus of Rhodes
- Great Pyramid of Giza
- Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- Lighthouse of Alexandria
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
- Statue of Zeus at Olympia
- Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
- Aleksandar Kolarov's Left Foot
#CRCSRB
3. Mitrovic misses big chances but shows his importance
Aleksandar Mitrovic missed two excellent opportunities to increase his side’s lead in the second half, firing a one-on-one straight at Keylor Navas and then failing to bring a fine Sergej Milinkovic-Savic pass under control.
The Newcastle United striker will be disappointed that he did not get his name on the scoresheet, but he can be pleased with his all-round performance. Mitrovic was a real handful, pinning central defenders, holding the ball up, bringing his team-mates into play and relieving pressure with some excellent ball-carrying when Serbia were protecting their lead.
4. Costa Rica up against it with Brazil to come
The first game was always going to be crucial for both Serbia and Costa Rica, with the losers now staring elimination in the face – even after just 90 minutes of action. That is because Brazil are up next for Oscar Ramirez’s charges, and failure to avoid defeat there would almost certainly spell the end.
Los Ticos were the surprise package in 2014, but their team has not really been refreshed since then. Progression to the last 16 was always a long shot, and defeat here means they will struggle to get out of Group E.
