Costa Rica, looking to repeat their run to the quarter-final at World Cup 2014, fell short in their first match of the tournament on Sunday.
Despite their usual impressive toil and spirit, they were never really a threat against Serbia, and lost 1-0 thanks to Aleksandar Kolarov’s stunning free-kick.
Here’s how the players rated:
STARTING XI
Keylor Navas 8 – The Real Madrid man kept his side in the game with some stunning saves, including a couple of point-blank stops to deny Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Johnny Acosta 6 – Defended gamely, including a goal-saving tackle late in the game (which may have been a penalty).
Giancarlo Gonzalez 5 – His defending was fine, but Gonzalez passed up Costa Rica’s best chances to score, missing two easy, close-range headers.
Oscar Duarte 6 – Provided good cover at the back, coming up with some crucial blocks and clearances to help keep his side in the game.
Cristiano Gamboa 5 – Was largely anonymous at wing-back, providing little threat when he needed to deliver from attack.
Celso Borges 6 – Was robust defensively, and tidy in possession. However, didn’t provide enough thrust going forward.
David Guzman 5 – Conceded the foul that led to Serbia’s goal, a poor tackle given the known threat of Kolarov from set pieces.
Francisco Calvo 6 – Had one good attacking moment, shooting wide after some good work on the ball. Was tidy going up and down his flank.
Bryan Ruiz 6 – As captain and talisman, Ruiz was looked towards to provide inspiration for his team – a responsibility he couldn’t quite deliver on.
Johan Venegas 7 – Was lively on the wings, providing some good attacking impetus and creating some of Costa Rica’s best work from open play. End product let him down.
Marco Urena 6 – Had a few chances to score, although nothing as clear-cut as Gonzalez’s misses. Also pressed Serbia’s defence.
SUBSTITUTES
Christian Bolanos 5 – Wasted a few good opportunities to deliver a telling cross from the flank, when better service could have led to a goal.
Joel Campbell 6 – Made some good runs after coming on, before faltering at the crucial moments – either with his touch or his decision-making let him down.
Daniel Colindres 5 – Had little impact after coming on as a late substitute.
