Coutinho, Neymar hand Brazil first victory

Saint Petersburg: Philippe Coutinho and Neymar Junior scored late in the second half as Brazil ensured their passage to the second round with a hard earned 2-0 win over Costa Rica in a Group E clash of the FIFA World Cup here on Friday.

Both Brazilians struck in the second half added time at the Saint Petersburg Stadium to hand the five-time World Cup winners their first victory in the tournament.

Brazil, who were held 1-1 by Switzerland on Sunday, now have four points from two matches.

After Friday's loss, Costa Rica's chances of advancing are over as they had suffered a 0-1 defeat in their campaign opener against Serbia.

Brazil will have to beat Serbia in their third and last match while Costa Rica will take on Switzerland on June 27.