The struggles of the elite nations at the World Cup continued as Brazil laboured in their 2-0 victory against Costa Rica.
Philippe Coutinho was the hero for the South Americans, scoring the crucial opener and simultaneously breaking Los Ticos hearts beyond 90 minutes.
Neymar added even later gloss when he tapped in with virtually the last kick of the game to put Brazil on the brink of the knockouts and send Costa Rica home.
In a nondescript first half of little creation or chances, Costa Rica grew into the game and defended fairly comfortably.
Brazil coach Tite turned to his bench in the second half for inspiration as Douglas Costa was introduced for the woeful Willian.
It didn’t appear as if it was going to work until a ball into the box fell kindly for Barcelona man Coutinho who poked past the excellent Keylor Navas in the 91st minute. Salt was rubbed into the wounds of the Central Americans even later when Neymar converted Douglas Costa’s cross.