Mitch Freeley
You can watch a live stream of Costa Rica Vs Serbia via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
Match Report
Aleksandar Kolarov's sensational free-kick proved the difference as Serbia got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in Group E.
Serbia, under the tutelage of Mladen Krstajic for the first time in a competitive match, controlled much of Sunday's clash at Samara Arena, but could not find a way through Costa Rica's stubborn rearguard until Kolarov stepped just before the hour.
Excellent throughout, Keylor Navas could do little to keep out the defender's blistering effort, which curled over the wall and into the top corner.
It was nothing less than Serbia deserved for a dominant display, although the best chance of the first half went to Costa Rica's Giancarlo Gonzalez, who headed over from point-blank range.
Serbia had gone close to prior to Kolarov's thunderbolt, Aleksandar Mitrovic - a constant thorn in Costa Rica's side - fluffing his lines when one-on-one with Navas early in the second half.
Mitrovic wasted another chance to wrap up the points late on, but his profligacy did not prove costly as Serbia held on to seal the points.
Both defences were tested in the opening moments - Mitrovic seeing an effort hooked off the line before Gonzalez headed straight at Vladimir Stojkovic at the other end.
Gonzalez spurned another gilt-edged chance 10 minutes later, the Bologna defender heading over despite been unmarked at the back post.
Marking his landmark 104th Serbia appearance, Branislav Ivanovic rolled back the years with a blistering run down the right soon after, but Navas did well to parry his cross away from Mitrovic.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic should have done better with a close-range effort 27 minutes in, only for the offside flag to spare the youngster's blushes, before Kolarov drew the best out of Navas with a wicked free-kick.
And Serbia were almost punished for their lack of penetration when Francisco Calvo dragged a strike wide as Costa Rica enjoyed a short spell of possession just before the break.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Navas showed his quality again five minutes after the restart, racing out to deny Mitrovic, who should have done better from 10 yards out.
Navas could do nothing to prevent Kolarov's stunning opener, though - Kolarov showing his set-piece proficiency with a venomous, dipping strike that flew in the top-right corner.
Oscar Ramirez introduced Arsenal's Joel Campbell as Costa Rica chased an equaliser, and the forward had appeals for a penalty waved away when he went down under pressure from Dusko Tosic.
Campbell was proving a nuisance, and only a last-ditch challenge from Nikola Milenkovic prevented Costa Rica's substitute from getting in on goal.
Serbia substitute Filip Kostic and Mitrovic both wasted golden opportunities to extend Serbia's advantage late on, the latter's frustrating outing endind soon after as he was replaced.
Serbia were not made to rue those misses, however, and - although a touchline skirmish between Nemanja Matic and a Costa Rica coach threatened to derail proceedings - stood firm to claim just their second victory from their last seven World Cup group stage matches.
Live Updates!
Goals & Highlights
Oh, my. Kolarov with a peach of a freekick gives Serbia the lead.
Preamble
Seconds away from kick off! A quick reminder you can watch a live stream of the action via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
We have the team news! Former Fulham man Bryan Ruiz Captains Los Ticos! As for Serbia current Fulham man, Aleksandar Mitrović leads the line.
Who's ready for the first match of the day?
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 17, 2018
Here are the teams for #CRCSRB 👀#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/np2DCvEQ78
Hello! Welcome to the Live Updates for Costa Rica Vs Serbia! Can Costa Rica kick-start their World Cup with a win against Serbia?! Join me for all the latest goings on from Samara.
Preview
Costa Rica will be hoping to kick-start their Group E campaign with a victory, but face a tough test against a dogged Serbian side, who are playing at the World Cup for the first time since 2010. You can watch Live & Exclusive streaming of the match at the Samara Arena via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
Los Tocos were the surprise package of Brazil 2014, going all the way to the quarterfinals. They will be looking to progress out of Group E, and three points against Serbia would go some way in securing a place in the knockout stages for a second consecutive World Cup.
Fresh from winning another Champions League with Real Madrid, Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas is likely to have a key role against Serbia on Sunday afternoon. The 31-year old keeper was part of the side that reached the quarters in 2014, and his experience is going to be vital if Los Tocos are to come away with a positive result.
Costa Rica Predicted Team
Navas; Gamboa, Gonzalez, Acosta, Duarte, Oviedo; Bolanos, Guzman, Borges, Campbell; Urena
Live match stream- beIN SPORTS CONNECT
TV Channel- MAX HD3
Kick-off- 15:00
Stadium- Samara Arena, Samara
Serbia impressed in qualifying for Russia, beating the likes of Ireland and Wales to top group D of European qualification. Under the tutelage of former Schalke defender Mladen Krstajić, the Serbs have been quietly forming a strong group of players from the top European sides and have a strong chance of making the knock out stages for the first time since 1998.
Predict your World Cup winner!
Fresh from helping Fulham gain promotion to the Premier League, striker Aleksandar Mitrović is set to lead the line against Costa Rica. The bustling striker will be in charge of holding up play, and causing problems from set-pieces for his country. Mitrović is taking part in his first ever World Cup and will be eager to open his account with a goal against Costa Rica.
Serbia Predicted Team
Stojkovic; Rukavina, Ivanovic, Tosic, Kolarov; Matic, Milinkovic-Savic; Tadic, Ljajic, Kostic; Mitrovic
It promises to be an interesting match as Costa Rica take on Serbia. You can watch Live & Exclusive streaming of the match at the Samara Arena via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
