Philippe Coutinho and Neymar struck in second-half injury time to edge past obstinate Costa Rica and ignite Brazil’s World Cup 2018 campaign.

The pre-tournament favourites dominated play, but appeared set for a damaging second-successive draw in Group E only for the onrushing attacking midfielder Coutinho to strike during injury time. Neymar then recovered from a cancelled penalty call to volley in from close range.

Here are our player ratings:

BRAZIL (4-3-3)

Alisson – 6: The Real Madrid-target was a spectator at Saint Petersburg Stadium. He had zero saves to make. Might worry about fine performance of Keylor Navas at other end.

Fagner – 6: Did a competent job at right-back in place of the injured Danilo of Manchester City. His cross caused Gabriel Jesus to hit the crossbar.

Thiago Silva – 6: Used experience to sweep up any punts from the back by Costa Rica as they desperately tried to relieve pressure. Bigger tests will come, starting with Serbia.

Miranda – 7: Concentration remained sharp to deny Bryan Ruiz twice with key headers. Would have been happy to retain head coach Tite’s faith after Switzerland error for leveller.

Marcelo – 5: Had the most touches for Brazil as the ball kept coming to his left flank. But the Los Blancos left-back’s end product was uncharacteristically poor.

Paulinho – 5: The Barcelona centre midfielder made no impression on proceedings. Usual driving runs from deep did not occur. Only offered lateral passing options, which Costa Rica relished.

Casemiro – 5: Suffered a bloodied nose in the early stages when he took a ball to the face. Defensive attributes weren’t required and his presence did nothing to speed up Brazil’s torpid ball rotation.

Philippe Coutinho – 8: Brazil appear to have a new saviour. Play funneled through him and was locked in duel with Madrid goalkeeper Navas before nutmegging him at death.

Willian – 4: This was not the Chelsea winger’s day. Hooked after 45 ineffectual minutes and replacement Douglas Costa did far better. Spot in XI is at serious risk.

Gabriel Jesus – 6: Rattled the crossbar with a second-half header and mis-control played in Coutinho for the late, late winner. Movement was better than against Switzerland.

Neymar – 5: A second match in a row that the world’s most expensive player has underwhelmed. But this time, got his goal at the end. Showed petulant side for penalty ruled out by VAR.

SUBS

Douglas Costa – 7: Was much better than Willian. His pass sparked Neymar’s penalty incident, plus he later teed up the superstar for his pressure-relieving goal.

Roberto Firmino – 6: Rose high to win header that eventually led to Coutinho’s breakthrough. Awful finish ruined amazing move.

Fernandinho – N/A: City battler was given last few minutes to shore things up after first goal.