What a pass by Elias! The substitute sends a wonderful lofted ball over the top of the Costa Rica defence and into the feet of Neymar, but the latter's first touch is poor and sends the ball out of play over the byline before he can get a shot away.
90' +1
An extremely dangerous cross-field pass from Luiz almost sets up Colindres with the perfect opportunity to make it 1-1, but Danilo is just about able to cut out the danger with a strong header at the vital moment.
90'
D. Vega enters the game and replaces J. Venegas.
D. Myrie enters the game and replaces C. Gamboa.
Two late changes for Costa Rica. The first player to come on is Myrie, who replaces Gamboa.
And the second is Vega, who takes the place of Venegas for the final few moments.
The fourth official has indicated that there will be three minutes of added time.
89'
Costa Rica are finally able to break out of their own half of the pitch to push forward on a late attack, but the Brazil defence do well to get back in position before Danilo wins back the ball on the right flank.
87'
Elias gets yellow.
Elias flies into Venegas and brings him crashing to the ground, resulting in a free kick for Costa Rica and a yellow card for the Brazilian.
It's all Brazil at the moment as every available yellow shirt camps themselves deep inside the Costa Rica half of the pitch. They may be one-goal up but they are desperate to extend their lead. Danilo and Marcelo are both extremely far up and are causing Gamboa and Mataritta plenty of problems.
85'
Great chance for Brazil! Luiz sends a wonderful pass through the Costa Rica defence and into the path of Lucas, but the substitute ends up missing the ball by the narrowest of margins and, as a result, Pemberton can just about cut out the danger.
83'
Ball after ball is thrown into the Costa Rica penalty area as Brazil desperately push forward, but they just can't seem to find a way past the sea of white shirts camped deep inside the box.
82'
Neymar enters the game and replaces Douglas Costa.
Costa, who has had an excellent game, makes his way off to be replaced by Neymar. As expected, the Barcelona forward's introduction is greeted with a roar of approval from the fans.
81'
Rafinha enters the game and replaces Luiz Gustavo.
It's all Brazil at the moment as they aim to double their lead. Another goal would surely wrap up the victory, but the Costa Rica defence are making it extremely difficult for them as they continue to defend resolutely.
80'
D. Colindres enters the game and replaces B. Ruiz.
Another substitution for Costa Rica. This time it's Colindres who makes his way onto the pitch to take the place of Ruiz.
Minute
Description
79'
Luiz seems to have picked up a nasty bit of cramp, and the game is brought to a standstill as he receives medical treatment.
78'
Lucas Moura enters the game and replaces Willian.
Meanwhile, Willian has made way for Lucas in a change for Brazil.
77'
D. Guzmán enters the game and replaces Y. Tejeda.
Costa scores, but it's ruled out for offside! The winger flies into the left-hand side of the penalty area before beating Pemberton with a thumping strike, but his celebrations are quickly brought to an end by the linesman, who immediately raises his flag.
Costa Rica have made their second substitution, with Guzman coming on to replace Tejeda.
75'
The Costa Rica defence deal with the resulting corner before breaking away on a quick counter attack through Campbell on the right flank, but Danilo dispossesses the Arsenal striker with a wonderful and perfectly-timed interception on the edge of the box.
74'
Elias enters the game and replaces Fernandinho.
Great save by Pemberton! Kaka sprints through the Costa Rica defence before sending an excellent cross right onto the head of Costa, but the latter's bullet effort is pushed over the crossbar by the goalkeeper.
Fernandinho makes his way off the pitch to be replaced by Elias for the final quarter-of-an-hour.
73'
What a ball by Matarrita! The left-back flies down the wing before sending a brilliant low cross towards the far post, but it ends up missing the outstretched foot of Venegas by the narrowest of margins.
72'
Again, Costa breaks into the left-hand side of the penalty area but fizzing a pass across the face of goal, but this time it's cut out by Pemberton at the near post.
71'
Brazil quickly work the ball around the edge of the Costa Rica penalty area before Costa sends a curling cross right onto the head of Danilo, but, off balance and under pressure, the right-back is unable to beat Pemberton with his effort on goal.
69'
Venegas picks up the ball near the corner flag on the left flank and spins past Danilo before heading along the byline, but his final touch lets him down and sends the ball out for a goal kick before he can get a cross away.
68'
Kaka immediately tries to make an impact down the left flank, but his darting run forward is flagged offside by the fourth official, much to the relief of the sleeping Costa Rica defence.
67'
Kaká enters the game and replaces Hulk.
Philippe Coutinho enters the game and replaces Lucas Lima.
Brazil have decided to make a double substitution. The first player to come on is Kaka, who replaces Hulk.
And the second is Coutinho, who takes the place of Lima.
65'
Willian cuts inside from the right wing before teeing up Lima, who then attempts to fire a rocket of a shot through the Costa Rica defence and towards goal. The strike is well hit but there are far too many white shirts in front of him and, as a result, it fails to trouble Pemberton.
63'
Campbell is immediately involved in the action, flying down the left flank before being tripped from behind by Miranda, which results in a free kick for Costa Rica in a very dangerous position. Ruiz sends the set-piece into the middle of the penalty area but Lima is there to deal with the danger.
61'
J. Campbell enters the game and replaces M. Ureña.
Costa Rica have decided to make their first substitution of the game, with Urena making way for Campbell.
60'
Matarrita is brought down by a clumsy challenge from Willian, resulting in a free kick for Costa Rica. They take it short and try to work their way through the middle of the Brazil back four but Miranda is there to deal with the danger with a strong interception on the edge of the penalty area.
59'
Fantastic oppounity for Willian! Brazil break away on a quick counter attack down the left wing through Costa, who then curls a lovely cross right onto the feet of the aforementioned winger. He immediately fires a volleyed strike towards goal but he can only find the side-netting from 10 yards out.
58'
Costa Rica are enjoying a positive period deep inside the Brazil half of the pitch. They win themselves a corner on the right wing, which is taken short, but it's poorly hit and allows Brazil to break forward once again.
56'
Ruiz scores, but it's offside! A lovely lofted pass from Venegas flies through the middle of the Brazil defence and into the path of the captain, who then beats Grohe with a beautiful chip, but the linesman's flag is immediately raised, despite the replays showing that the forward was just onside.
54'
And now Costa almost makes it 2-0! Again, he finds plenty of joy down the left wing before cutting inside and beating two Costa Rica defenders, but his shot is slightly too heavy and flies over the top of the crossbar and out for a goal kick.
52'
Marcelo goes close again! A poor attempted clearance from Pemberton can only find the defender, who immediately flies into the penalty area before unleashing a low strike from close range. It's cut out at the last moment by Gonzalez, however, who gets enough of a touch on it to send it trickling into the hands of the Costa Rica goalkeeper.
50'
Costa breaks down the left wing before cutting inside and trying to find Willian with a cross-field pass, but Matarrita does well to rush back and cut out the attempted cross with a vital headed clearance.
48'
Chance for Marcelo! The defender flies forward and plays a lovely one-two with Hulk before unleashing a cross-cum-shot from the left-hand side of the penalty area, but it flies past the far post before going out for a throw-in on the opposite flank.
47'
Costa Rica immediately win the ball back before embarking on a quick attacking move, but Urena is unable to find a way past Luiz, who out-muscles the striker inside the penalty area before eventually thumping the ball away from danger.
46'
And we're underway once again!
45' +1
Costa Rica push forward on one last attack, working the ball from one flank to the other before Matarrita sends a curling cross into the heart of the penalty area, but Luiz is there to clear the danger with a strong header at the vital moment.
45'
The fourth official has indicated that there will be just one minute of added time.
44'
Brazil work the ball around well near the halfway line before Gustavo sends a lofted pass into the path of Danilo, but the right-back isn't on the same wavelength as the midfielder and, as a result, the attack breaks down quickly.
42'
Ruiz goes down inside the penalty area, but nothing is given! The captain flies into the box before being brought crashing to the ground under challenges from both Fernandinho and Luiz, but the referee shakes his head at the pleas from the Costa Rican players and waves play on, much to the annoyance and disbelief of Oscar Ramirez.
40'
Two dangerous corners are whipped by Lima into the middle of the box, but both are dealt with well by the Costa Rica defence, who have looked excellent since going behind.
38'
What a chance for Hulk! A Costa Rica attack breaks down, allowing the aforementioned striker to push forward on a quick counter attack. All alone, he heads towards the edge of the penalty area before twisting and turning in an attempt to find a way past Acosta and Gonzalez, but at the last moment he loses both his footing and the ball.
36'
A dangerous cross from Matarrita penetrates the heart of the penalty area but is dealt with well by the Brazil defence before Lima holds up the ball and forces Gamboa into bringing him down from behind, resulting in a free kick.
34'
Danilo is caught upfield, allowing Ruiz to push forward down the left flank, taking advantage of the space left behind by the right-back. He then tries to curl a cross towards Venegas, but it takes a deflection off Luiz that sends it into the hands of Grohe.
32'
A fabulous lofted pass from Fernandinho finds Costa, who then tries to cut past Gamboa and into the penalty area, but the Brazilian's arms are raised and clash with the right-back, resulting in a free kick for Costa Rica.
30'
Willian and Lima exchange a series of lovely passes between themselves before the latter breaks into the right-hand side of the Costa Rica penalty area, but Duarte is just about able to dispossess him before he's able to get a shot away from a tight angle.
28'
Costa flies down the left flank before cutting inside and sending a cross-field pass towards Willian, but the winger's well-hit ball is cut out at the vital moment by Matarrita, who sends it back to Pemberton.
26'
Lima breaks forward in space before teeing up Willian, who immediately spins and finds Gustavo with a well-placed pass. The midfielder decides to unleash an audacious shot from 30 yards out but it ends up sailing comfortably over the top of the crossbar and out for a goal kick.
24'
Brazil patiently work their way down the left wing before Marcelo tries to pick out Hulk with a chipped lofted pass, but the defender's ball is slightly overhit and can only find the hands of Pemberton.
22'
A Costa Rica attack breaks down, allowing Brazil to fly forward on a quick counter attack. Luiz loses the ball in a dangerous position, however, and Venegas takes advantage of the mistake to break through the middle of the disjointed defensive line, but his run is slightly mistimed and, as a result, the linesman's flag is immediately raised for offside.
20'
Costa Rica embark on a lengthy period of passing play midway inside the Brazil half of the pitch as they switch the ball from one flank to the other, but there are too many yellow shirts camped in front of them and they are eventually forced to work their way back towards the halfway line before starting again.
18'
Once again, the corner is sent into a dangerous position in the heart of the box, but the Costa Rica defence do well to deal with the cross to deny Fernandinho another chance on goal.
17'
After plenty of pushing and shoving, the resulting set-piece is finally whipped into the middle of the penalty area, where Fernandinho sends his headed effort off Gonzalez and out for another corner.
16'
Fernandinho breaks at speed into the right-hand side of the penalty area before unleashing a thumping strike towards the near post, but Pemberton is just about able to get two hands on the ball to parry it away from danger and out for a corner.
14'
Hulk is dispossessed midway inside the Costa Rica half of the pitch, allowing the latter side to break away on a quick counter attack. They fly forward through Ruiz before the captain spins and finds Venegas on the edge of the penalty area, but the winger's first touch is poor and allows Danilo, who had initially been beaten, to win the ball back for Brazil.
12'
It's all Brazil at the moment as they continue to put the Costa Rica back five under an incredible amount of pressure. No matter what they try to do, La Sele just can't seem to get anywhere near the ball.
10'
Hulk has scored a goal for Brazil!
GOAL! Brazil have taken the lead! Hulk flies down the right flank to get onto a loose ball before out-muscling Gonzalez and breaking into the penalty area, where he steadies himself before beating Pemberton with a lovely strike from close range.
9'
A poor pass from Duarte sends the ball straight into the path of Costa, who immediately sprints into the left-hand side of the penalty area. He holds onto possession for far too long, however, and is pushed towards the byline by Acosta before he sends his chipped cross straight into the hands of Pemberton.
7'
And now Luiz goes close! They keep the move alive and work the ball over to the left flank, where Costa whips in a brilliant curling cross. It flies past three Costa Rica defenders before reaching the aforementioned Brazil centre-back at the far post, but he's denied by another great diving stop from Pemberton.
5'
What a strike by Hulk! Willian cuts inside from the right flank and flies towards the edge of the penalty area before being clumsily fouled by Tejeda, resulting in a free kick for Brazil in an extremely dangerous position. The aforementioned Zenit striker steps up and fires an absolute rocket of a shot that Pemberton is just about able to tip over the top of the crossbar with a brilliant save.
3'
It's been a positive start by Brazil, who are working the ball around well as they look for a way through the sea of white shirts camped in front of them. Costa Rica have started very defensively with five at the back and that could prove to be a problem for the five-time world champions.
1'
And we're off! Costa Rica get us underway, attacking from left to right.
Good afternoon and welcome to our live text commentary of today’s friendly game between Brazil and Costa Rica. My name is Ben Cullimore and I will be keeping you up to date with all of the action from Red Bull Arena.
Today’s game sees Brazil back in action for the first time since their exit from the Copa America at the end of June, and it marks the start of their five-day American adventure. After this afternoon’s clash they will head up to Massachusetts to take on the United States in their second of two friendly games, both of which will give manager Dunga a good opportunity to have a thorough look at his side ahead of the start of the qualification process for the 2018 World Cup, which kicks off next month against Copa America champions Chile. The five-time world champions are set to be without Neymar, who pulled up with a knee injury in training on Thursday, paving the way for Douglas Costa, who has enjoyed an impressive start to life in Germany, to make his first start since March.
As for Costa Rica, they head to New Jersey under the watchful eye of recently-appointed head coach Oscar Ramirez, who replaced former boss Paulo Wanchope last month. Under Wanchope, La Sele enjoyed a solid if unspectacular Gold Cup that saw them reach the quarter-finals despite the fact that they failed to win any of their group stage games. An extra-time defeat against Mexico in the final eight sent them out of the tournament and simultaneously extended their unbeaten run to nine games, their worst since 2008. Ramirez’s task will be to help his side to rediscover the wonderful form that led them to the quarter-finals of the World Cup last summer, although that is going to be a tough task against a Brazil team that have won 12 of their last 14 games.
There’s just over 15 minutes left to go until until kick-off, so let’s have a look at how the two teams will be lining up this afternoon...
Brazil XI (4-5-1): Grohe; Danilo, Miranda, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Fernandinho, Lima, Willian, Costa; Hulk.
Dunga has decided to make nine changes to the Brazil side that started the Copa America quarter-final defeat against Paraguay, with Fernandinho and Willian the only players to retain their places.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica boss Oscar Ramirez has made six alterations to the side that featured against Mexico in July, with Patrick Pemberton, Johnny Acosta, Oscar Duarte, Ronald Matarrita, Yeltsin Tejeda and Marco Urena coming into the squad to replace Esteban Alvarado, Francisco Calvo, Junior Diaz, Joel Campbell, Jose Cubero and David Ramirez, respectively.
The two sides are making their way out onto the pitch, with just a few minutes to go until kick-off.
HALF-TIME: BRAZIL 1-0 COSTA RICA
After starting so well, it's been a mixed opening 45 minutes for Brazil, who have found it difficult to break through Costa Rica's well-organised and resolute back five. La Sele struggled during the opening quarter-of-an-hour but have grown into the game since then and have enjoyed several good moments at the other end of the pitch as a result, despite the fact that they have failed to trouble Grohe in between the sticks. However, Oscar Ramirez will no doubt be quietly confident about his side's chances of pulling off a comeback after witnessing what they're capable of during the first half.
The two teams are making their way back out onto the pitch ahead of the start of the second half. Neither side have made any substitutions during the half-time break.
FULL-TIME: BRAZIL 1-0 COSTA RICA
The referee blows his whistle for the final time and brings an end to what has been a fantastic clash between two impressive sides. Both have looked strong but in the end Costa Rica just didn't have enough to trouble Grohe, despite Ruiz's volleyed strike being wrongly ruled out for offside. At the other end of the pitch, La Sele's well-organised back five defended well but were let down by poor decision making early on, and, as a result, Brazil leave with a well-deserved slender victory.
Brazil stay in the American north-east to take on the United States in five days' time, whilst Costa Rica head back to their homeland to face Uruguay in what is sure to be another tough test for Oscar Ramirez's side.
My name is Ben Cullimore and it's been an absolute pleasure describing all of the action to you this evening. Until next time, goodbye!
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