Hulk played at the point of the attack as captain and talisman Neymar Jr was left watching on the bench as coach Carlos Dunga tried an experimental side following a disappointing Copa America.
Santos’ Lucas Lima also made his first appearance for Selecao sitting just behind Hulk in the number ten role. From the first whistle Costa Rica’s goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton had to be sharp to deny Hulk from a free-kick and David Luiz from close range in the seventh minute. However, Brazil’s fast start was rewarded when Zenit St. Petersburg’s Hulk latched onto a defensive lapse in concentration by Giancarlo Gonzalez to pounce and apply a cool finish past Pemberton in the tenth minute.
Brazil threatened to extend their lead when Fernandinho had his shot parried away six minutes later but a resolute five-man defensive unit for Costa Rica stood firm. Despite the determined rearguard action from Oscar Ramirez’s men they weren’t able to demonstrate much threat as Arsenal’s Joel Campbell was left on the bench in favour of Marco Urena.
Bryan Ruiz did have a penalty appeal turned down as half time neared when his run was stopped by a combination of Luiz and Fernandinho, however their attack lacked much direction. The pressure that had seemed to dissipate towards the end of the first half intensified again after the break from the five-time world champions as Marcelo began raiding down the left side. However his gallant efforts at extending his sides lead didn’t prove clinical enough. A raft of changes in the second half especially for Brazil included the introduction of Neymar as well as the much talked about Philippe Coutinho, who was originally left out of the squad.
Bryan Ruiz had a goal chalked off for offside on 55 minutes, as did Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa with 15 minutes remaining which could have re-ignited the game. Kaka also made an appearance as he looked to bring more urgency to the side, said after game;
‘I feel I can contribute a lot in the short and medium term. I’ve played in two World Cup qualifiers and if Dunga wants me I have plenty to offer.’
However they couldn’t take advantage as they held on to score this 1-0 victory, which condemned Oscar Ramirez to his first defeat as Costa Rica boss. This result leaves Dunga with much to ponder as he takes his side to face the USA in Massachusetts on Tuesday and he will hope the team can learn from their lack of profligacy In front of goal.
