
Story highlightsSerbia 0-2 Brazil Switzerland 2-2 Costa RicaBrazil, Switzerland progress
(CNN)There were no World Cup shocks in Moscow as Brazil secured a 2-0 win against Serbia to progress to the knockout stages as Group E winners.
After Germany’s surprise exit from the competition earlier on Wednesday all eyes turned to Brazil, another World Cup heavyweight with its progress not yet secured and one keen on making amends for their 7-1 World Cup semifinal thumping to the Germans four years ago on home soil. Follow @cnnsport The minimum needed from the Brazilians at the Spartak Stadium to make sure of their place in the next round was a draw. Goals in either half from Paulinho and Thiago Silva ensured the five-time champions added three points to their tally to top the group and set up a last-16 tie against Mexico. Neymar had chances to add a third for Brazil.READ: Germany out of World CupRead MoreSerbia had their moments, but Brazil had too much creativity and firepower in the final third to put their continued participation in this competition in doubt. The Serbians were far from overwhelmed in the first half and while the attacking triumvirate of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus occasionally threatened, they did not terrorize. Instead, defensive errors proved to be Serbia’s downfall. In the 35th minute, a delightful Coutinho pass over the top of Serbia’s defence found Paulinho galloping through the middle and the midfielder converted from close range for his first goal of the competition. It was a strike which eased Brazilian nerves and left Serbia needing two goals if they were to stay in the competition. The Serbians looked dangerous on the counterattack and in the second half they had opportunities against a sometimes unconvincing Brazilian defense. Aleksandar Mitrovic, whose overhead kick in the first half sailed over the crossbar, headed a rebounded Alisson save straight at Silva when in the six-yard box.
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupGermany’s Marco Reus reacts after his team lost to South Korea and was knocked out of the World Cup on Wednesday, June 27. The defending champions lost 2-0 and finished at the bottom of Group F.Hide Caption 1 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSouth Korea’s Lee Jae-sung, left, chases down a ball with Germany’s Jonas Hector.Hide Caption 2 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupLudwig Augustinsson celebrates after scoring Sweden’s first goal in its 3-0 victory over Mexico on Wednesday. The result meant that Sweden would top Group F and Mexico would finish in second.Hide Caption 3 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupMexican defender Hector Moreno heads the ball in front of Swedish forward Marcus Berg.Hide Caption 4 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupBrazilian defender Thiago Silva celebrates after his powerful header gave Brazil a 2-0 lead over Serbia on Wednesday. Brazil won Group E with two victories and a draw.Hide Caption 5 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupBrazil’s Willian and Serbia’s Filip Kostic fight for the ball during Wednesday’s match.Hide Caption 6 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupBrazilian star Neymar controls the ball during the Serbia match.Hide Caption 7 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSwitzerland’s Blerim Dzemaili scored the first goal in his team’s 2-2 draw with Costa Rica on Wednesday. Switzerland finished second in its group to advance to the knockout stage.Hide Caption 8 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupKendall Waston had a goal for Costa Rica in the match against Switzerland.Hide Caption 9 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupCosta Rican defender Cristian Gamboa vies for the ball with Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez.Hide Caption 10 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupArgentina star Lionel Messi rides on the back of Marcos Rojo after Rojo’s late winner against Nigeria on Tuesday, June 26. With the 2-1 victory, Argentina clinched a spot in the next round of the tournament.Hide Caption 11 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupRojo controls the ball earlier in the match against Nigeria.Hide Caption 12 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupArgentina legend Diego Maradona was in the crowd once again, drawing attention from fans just as he did when he was a player.Hide Caption 13 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupCroatia’s Josip Pivaric prepares to chest the ball during the team’s 1-0 win against Iceland on Tuesday. Croatia is 3-0 so far in the tournament.Hide Caption 14 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupCroatia supporters kiss ahead of the match against Iceland.Hide Caption 15 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupDanish players acknowledge fans after their scoreless draw with France on Tuesday. Both teams advanced to the knockout stage.Hide Caption 16 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupDenmark’s Martin Braithwaite, left, is tracked by France’s N’Golo Kante, center, and Presnel Kimpembe.Hide Caption 17 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupAustralian player Mark Milligan is joined by his children after a 2-0 loss to Peru on Tuesday.Hide Caption 18 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupMilligan stretches to clear a cross.Hide Caption 19 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupAaron Mooy tugs on the jersey of Peru’s Paolo Guerrero.Hide Caption 20 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupPortugal’s Ricardo Quaresma, left, is embraced by Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring against Iran on Monday, June 25. Iran scored late to tie the match, but the 1-1 result was enough to see Portugal into the next round.Hide Caption 21 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupAn Iran fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere.Hide Caption 22 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupIranian forward Sardar Azmoun shields the ball from Portuguese defender Jose Fonte.Hide Caption 23 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupMoroccan goalkeeper Munir catches the ball against Spain.Hide Caption 24 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupEgyptian star Mohamed Salah reacts after Saudi Arabia’s winning goal in second-half stoppage time on Monday. Egypt lost all three of its matches at this World Cup.Hide Caption 25 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSalem Al-Dawsari celebrates with a flip after scoring the match-winning goal against Egypt.Hide Caption 26 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupRussia’s Artem Dzyuba, in white, competes with Uruguay’s Sebastian Coates during Uruguay’s 3-0 victory on Monday. Uruguay won all three of its matches in the group stage. This was Russia’s first loss.Hide Caption 27 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupA Uruguay fan, right, poses with a Russia fan before the match.Hide Caption 28 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupUruguayan forward Luis Suarez, left, reacts after the second goal deflected past Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. Hide Caption 29 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupColombian forward Falcao celebrates after scoring against Poland on Sunday, June 24. Colombia won 3-0.Hide Caption 30 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupColombian defender Yerry Mina opened the scoring with a header in the first half.Hide Caption 31 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupA Colombia fan before the Poland match.Hide Caption 32 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSenegalese players huddle up before the second half of their match against Japan on Sunday. The two teams tied 2-2.Hide Caption 33 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupA shot of the crowd at the Ekaterinburg Arena during the Japan-Senegal match.Hide Caption 34 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupEnglish striker Harry Kane celebrates after scoring a penalty in the 6-1 rout of Panama on Sunday. Kane finished with a hat trick.Hide Caption 35 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupPanama players gather after their defeat. Hide Caption 36 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupGerman players celebrate after Toni Kroos scored on a late free kick to stun Sweden 2-1 on Saturday, June 23.Hide Caption 37 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSouth Korea’s Ki Sung-yueng, right, argues with Mexico’s Edson Alvarez as Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa lies on the ground on Saturday. Mexico won 2-1 to clinch a spot in the next round.Hide Caption 38 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSouth Korea’s Lee Yong, left, duels for the ball with Mexico’s Hirving Lozano.Hide Caption 39 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupA Mexico fan waits for the start of the match against South Korea.Hide Caption 40 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupBelgium’s Romelu Lukaku scores against Tunisia on Saturday, June 23. He had a pair of goals in the match, which Belgium won 5-2.Hide Caption 41 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupCaptain Eden Hazard also scored two for Belgium.Hide Caption 42 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupPlayers watch the ball during the Belgium-Tunisia match.Hide Caption 43 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupBelgium’s Jan Vertonghen, left, challenges Tunisia’s Wahbi Khazri.Hide Caption 44 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSwiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Serbia on Friday, June 22. Switzerland won 2-1.Hide Caption 45 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSwiss players defend Serbia’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.Hide Caption 46 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSwiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer catches the ball over Milinkovic-Savic.Hide Caption 47 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupNigerian midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo kicks the ball during the 2-0 victory over Iceland on Friday.Hide Caption 48 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupAhmed Musa celebrates after scoring his second goal of the match against Iceland.Hide Caption 49 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupIceland fans perform their famous viking clap.Hide Caption 50 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupNeymar celebrates his last-second goal that finished off Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Costa Rica on Friday.Hide Caption 51 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupNeymar taps in his goal late in the match.Hide Caption 52 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupCroatian players celebrate the second goal in their 3-0 victory over Argentina on Thursday, June 21. The victory clinched them a spot in the knockout stage.Hide Caption 53 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupCroatia’s Luka Modric is tackled by Argentina’s Nicolas Tagliafico.Hide Caption 54 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupWilly Caballero is dejected after his flubbed clearance gifted Croatia its first goal.Hide Caption 55 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupFrance’s Kylian Mbappe, right, celebrates with teammate Antoine Griezmann after scoring against Peru on Thursday. It was the only goal of the match.Hide Caption 56 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupPeru’s Andre Carrillo is challenged by French players Paul Pogba, left, and N’Golo Kante.Hide Caption 57 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupA Peruvian supporter waits for the start of the match.Hide Caption 58 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupAustralia’s Robbie Kruse, foreground, and Denmark’s Henrik Dalsgaard go for a header during the teams’ 1-1 draw on Thursday.Hide Caption 59 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupAustralia’s Joshua Risdon jumps over Thomas Delaney.Hide Caption 60 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSpain’s Diego Costa, right, celebrates with teammate Isco after scoring against Iran on June 20. Spain won 1-0.Hide Caption 61 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupA fan has his face painted with the colors of the Spanish flag on June 20.Hide Caption 62 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupReferee Andres Cunha speaks with Iranian midfielder Ehsan Hajsafi during the match.Hide Caption 63 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupCristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal in Portugal’s 1-0 win over Morocco on June 20. It was his tournament-leading fourth goal.Hide Caption 64 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupUruguay fans cheer outside the stadium before the match with Saudi Arabia on June 20.Hide Caption 65 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSaudi Arabia’s Fahad Al-Muwallad, left, challenges Uruguay’s Diego Godin.Hide Caption 66 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupLuis Suarez celebrates after scoring for Uruguay in the 23rd minute. It was the only goal of the match, and the final result meant Uruguay and Russia would both advance to the tournament’s knockout stage.Hide Caption 67 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupMohamed Salah kisses the ball before scoring a penalty for Egypt on June 19. Russia won, however, by a final score of 3-1.Hide Caption 68 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupEgypt’s Tarek Hamed, left, and Russia’s Aleksandr Golovin compete for the ball.Hide Caption 69 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupRussia’s first goal came when the ball deflected off Egypt’s Ahmed Fathi.Hide Caption 70 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupMembers of the Senegal team celebrate after defeating Poland 2-1 in their match on June 19.Hide Caption 71 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupJapanese defender Gen Shoji climbs over Colombia’s Radamel Falcao to win a header in their World Cup opener on June 19. Japan won the match 2-1.Hide Caption 72 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupThe referee shows a red card to Colombia’s Carlos Sanchez in the third minute. Sanchez was deemed to have deliberately handled the ball in the box.Hide Caption 73 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupEnglish players celebrate Harry Kane’s first goal in the 2-1 win over Tunisia on June 18. Kane later added the winner in second-half stoppage time.Hide Caption 74 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupA Tunisia fan shows his dejection after the final whistle.Hide Caption 75 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupBelgium’s Dries Mertens, right, competes for the ball with Panama’s Jose Luis Rodriguez during their World Cup opener on June 18. Mertens scored a goal in Belgium’s 3-0 victory.Hide Caption 76 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupPanamanian forward Gabriel Torres controls the ball during the match against Belgium.Hide Caption 77 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSweden’s Pontus Jansson, top left, and South Korea’s Ki Sung-yueng try to head the ball during Sweden’s 1-0 victory on June 18.Hide Caption 78 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSwitzerland’s Steven Zuber celebrates after scoring a goal against Brazil on June 17. The two teams tied 1-1.Hide Caption 79 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupBrazil’s Philippe Coutinho and Switzerland’s Breel Embolo compete for the ball.Hide Caption 80 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupBrazilian star Neymar recently came back from a foot injury.Hide Caption 81 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupMexico’s Hirving Lozano, left, celebrates with Jesus Gallardo after scoring the only goal in the upset victory over Germany on June 17. Germany won the World Cup in 2014.Hide Caption 82 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupFans wave German flags before facing off with Mexico.Hide Caption 83 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupMexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa makes a late save against Mario Gomez.Hide Caption 84 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupMarcos Ureña runs onto the pitch during Costa Rica’s opening match against Serbia on June 17. Serbia won 1-0.Hide Caption 85 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupCroatian players celebrate after Luka Modric scored the second goal of their 2-0 win against Nigeria on June 16.Hide Caption 86 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupNigerian captain John Obi Mikel runs with the ball during the Croatia match.Hide Caption 87 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupDenmark’s Yussuf Poulsen reacts after he scored a goal against Peru on June 16. It turned out to be the only goal in the match.Hide Caption 88 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupPeru’s Luis Advincula, left, and Denmark’s Martin Braithwaite fight for the ball.Hide Caption 89 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupArgentina star Lionel Messi appears downcast at the end of a 1-1 draw with Iceland on June 16. Messi missed a penalty in the match.Hide Caption 90 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupMessi and Iceland’s Hordur Magnusson struggle for the ball.Hide Caption 91 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupFans of France share a kiss before the team’s opening match with Australia on June 16.Hide Caption 92 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupFrench midfielder Paul Pogba keeps his eye on the ball against Australia. His shot deflected off an Australian for the match-winning goal.Hide Caption 93 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupPortugal star Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his first-half penalty against Spain on June 15. He added two more goals in the 3-3 draw.Hide Caption 94 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupSpanish defender Nacho, left, competes for a header with Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes. Nacho conceded the early penalty to Ronaldo but responded with a second-half goal.Hide Caption 95 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupFernando Hierro was making his debut as Spain’s manager. The former captain took over two days ago when Spain fired Julen Lopetegui.Hide Caption 96 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupPortuguese defender Raphael Guerreiro controls the ball in the match against Spain.Hide Caption 97 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupMorocco’s Aziz Bouhaddouz lies on the ground after heading the ball into his own net late in stoppage time on June 15. The whistle was blown just a few moments later, and Iran won 1-0.Hide Caption 98 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupIran’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh grimaces in pain in front of Morocco’s Romain Saiss.Hide Caption 99 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupUruguay’s Luis Suarez, left, and Egypt’s Sam Morsy battle for the ball on June 15. Uruguay won 1-0.Hide Caption 100 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupFans watch the Egypt-Uruguay match from temporary seats set up at the Ekaterinburg Arena. The seats had to be installed to meet FIFA’s minimum-seating requirement.Hide Caption 101 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupEgyptian midfielder Abdallah Said heads the ball during the match against Uruguay.Hide Caption 102 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupFedor Smolov fights off two Saudi defenders during the tournament opener, which Russia won 3-0 on June 14. Russia and Saudi Arabia came into the match as the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament.Hide Caption 103 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupFans watching from Yekaterinburg, Russia, celebrate Russia’s first goal.Hide Caption 104 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupThe ball flies past Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf for Russia’s fourth goal.Hide Caption 105 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupA fan wears body paint in Russia’s colors before the opening match.Hide Caption 106 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupRussian President Vladimir Putin speaks to the crowd before kickoff at the Luzhniki Stadium.Hide Caption 107 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupPerformers take part in the tournament’s opening ceremony.Hide Caption 108 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupBritish pop star Robbie Williams headlined the opening ceremony.Hide Caption 109 of 110
Photos: The best photos of the 2018 World CupRussian soprano Aida Garifullina sings during the opening ceremony.Hide Caption 110 of 110
The striker had another opportunity in the 64th minute, but his close range downward header was caught comfortably by Brazil’s goalkeeper. Mitrovic’s profligacy proved to be costly. Despite Serbia being in the ascendancy, Brazil doubled their advantage when Silva headed Neymar’s corner in at the near post. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features and videosThe header punctured Serbia’s hopes and from there on it was a question of how many Brazil would score and were it not for Vladimir Stojkovic twice saving efforts from Neymar at point-blank range it could have been a heavier defeat for the Serbians whose World Cup is now over.
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Dante on Brazil’s 7-1 defeat to Germany 02:09Swiss qualifySwitzerland qualified for the knockout stages of Russia 2018 as Group E runner-up, scrapping to an entertaining 2-2 draw against already-eliminated Costa Rica and will now face Sweden on Tuesday.Despite not being assured of a place in the last 16 ahead of kick-off, the Swiss started sluggishly and had goalkeeper Yann Sommer to thank for keeping the scores level in the first half. Photos: Gianluca Costantini is famous in his native Italy for his satirical drawings. Here he depicts rival superstar footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in advance of the Russia 2018 World Cup. Click or scroll for some of his other depictions of the the key moments of the tournament. Hide Caption 1 of 17
Photos: Marcos Rojo’s late goal gave Argentina a crucial 2-1 win over Nigeria and sent the South American side through to the last 16 of the World Cup at Russia 2018.Hide Caption 2 of 17
Photos: Iago Aspas’ deft backheel ensured Spain grabbed a 2-2 draw against Morocco. It was initially ruled out for offside, only for Uzbekistani referee Ravshan Irmatov to award the goal following a VAR review. A point for Spain coupled with a late equalizer for Iran against Portugal meant La Roja topped Group B by virtue of goals scored. Hide Caption 3 of 17
Photos: Salem Al-Dawsar scored a late Saudi Arabia winner with the last kick of the game in a 2-1 victory over Egypt to give the Green Falcons their first World Cup victory since 1994.Hide Caption 4 of 17
Photos: Toni Kroos’ superb free-kick against Sweden delivered a last-gasp winner and brought the Germans the win they desperately needed in the most dramatic fashion to keep the defending champions’ World Cup hopes alive.Hide Caption 5 of 17
Photos: Romelu Lukaku is having an impressive World Cup. He scored two goals in Belgium’s 3-0 win over Panama and grabbed another brace in the 5-2 over Tunisia.Hide Caption 6 of 17
Photos: Two delightful goals from the impressive Ahmed Musa secured Nigeria a first victory of the tournament and diminished Iceland’s chances of making it into the last 16.Hide Caption 7 of 17
Photos: Philippe Coutinho scored one of the goals of the 2018 World Cup in Brazil’s opening game against Switzerland with a superb curling shot. The match finished 1-1.Hide Caption 8 of 17
Photos: Barcelona striker Luis Suarez scored on his 100th international appearance in Uruguay’s 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia. It was the 31-year-old’s 52nd goal for his country and one of his simplest, side-footing into the net from six yards following a corner. Suarez also becomes the first Uruguayan to score at three World Cups.Hide Caption 9 of 17
Photos: Mo Salah finally made his World Cup bow and scored a goal but the Egyptian could not save his country as the Pharaohs’ hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of football’s showpiece event were all but ended by a clinical Russia.On a rainy night in St Petersburg, Russia recorded their second convincing win of the group stages with this 3-1 victory against an Egyptian side which had hoped that Salah’s return from injury would kickstart their tournament.Hide Caption 10 of 17
Photos: Lionel Messi missed a second-half penalty in Argentina’s opening World Cup game — the 0-0 draw against Iceland.Hide Caption 11 of 17
Photos: Cristiano Ronaldo had a barnstorming start to the 2018 World Cup scoring a hattrick in the 3-3 draw against Spain. His third goal was a stunning free-kick in the closing minutes that ensured Portugal secured a point from the game.Hide Caption 12 of 17
Photos: Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane scored his first goal at a World Cup finals in England’s 2-1 win over Tunisia. After getting his first he then headed in England’s winner.Hide Caption 13 of 17
Photos: Hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia were pitted against each other in the World Cup’s opening match on Thursday, June 14. Hide Caption 14 of 17
Photos: Uruguay’s Luis Suarez has history in the World Cup — the Barcelona forward will hope to avoid controversy in his third tournament, while 45-year-old Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary will be playing in his first. Hide Caption 15 of 17
Photos: Argentina and Iceland faced off in the Group D opener on June 16 — the so-called “Group of Death.” Both Sergio “Kun” Aguero of Argentina and Iceland’s Gylfi Sigurdsson suffered knee injuries prior to the World Cup.Hide Caption 16 of 17
Photos: The Group E match between Brazil and Switzerland ended up in a 1-1 draw.Hide Caption 17 of 17
READ: Swiss keeper cooks up a storm with food blogWithout nerves and with nothing to play for, Costa Rica were playing the kind of entertaining football which saw the team reach the quarterfinals in Brazil.Bryan Oviedo delivered an early, teasing cross into the box and Celso Borges’ header looked destined for the back of the net, but Yann Sommer got down quickly to tip it onto the post.Xherdan Shaqiri was robbed of the ball soon after, dawdling in possession as Daniel Colindres pounced and curled a wonderful effort over Sommer but saw his strike hit the underside of the crossbar.Sommer was again called into action minutes later, tipping Colindres’ goal bound effort around the post and out for a corner.But for all of Costa Rica’s early pressing, it was Switzerland who would take the lead. Shaqiri’s cross into the box was headed down by Breel Embolo and Blerim Zemaili pounced on the loose ball and hammered his strike past Keylor Navas.Undeterred by that setback late in the first half, Costa Rica pressed on and got their reward just 10 minutes after the restart.Kendall Waston rose highest in the penalty area to expertly nod Joel Campbell’s corner past Sommer’s outstretched fingertips and spark jubilant scenes on the bench and in the stands.
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Bora Milutinovic shares secrets to career success 02:27READ: Maradona ‘fine’ after health scareThat goal was Costa Rica’s first at Russia 2018 and meant that all 32 teams at this World Cup have now scored at least once.In the end, the goal meant little but Costa Rica’s bench and the fans in the stand celebrated wildly.As the match entered the final few minutes and appeared to be petering out into a draw, substitute Josip Drmic appeared at the far post to delightfully steer Denis Zakaria’s low cross into the far corner.Costa Rica was then awarded two penalties in stoppage time; the first overturned correctly by VAR, the second scored by Bryan Ruiz — via the crossbar and the back of Sommer’s head.If Los Ticos failed to reproduce the memorable moments that saw them reach the quarterfinals in Brazil four years ago, but at least they now have a small memento to take home from Russia.
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