Costa Rica's midfielder Bryan Ruiz (L) vies with Brazil's forward Willian during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Brazil and Costa Rica at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 22, 2018.
June 21, 2018
#WC2018: Costa Rica hold Brazil 0-0 at halftime
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — Brazil and Costa Rica were locked at 0-0 at halftime in their second group game at the World Cup.
The Brazilians were having problems breaking down Costa Rica’s packed defense, with Neymar also getting frustrated at some strong tackling — he was fouled three times in a five-minute span.
Neymar was fouled 10 times in Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus had a goal disallowed for offside, while Costa Rica’s best chance saw Celso Borges drag a shot wide following a cut-back.
The half ended with Neymar, surrounded by his teammates, remonstrating with referee Bjorn Kuipers. Costa Rica, a World Cup quarterfinalist in 2014, lost 1-0 to Serbia in its opening game.
