Philippe Coutinho spared Brazil's blushes before Neymar tapped home a second as the Selecao defeated resolute Costa Rica 2-0 in St Petersburg.

The former Liverpool poked home in the 91st minute to cruch Costa Rica's spirit, before Neymar also bagged to hand Tite's men their first win in Russia.

However, it was another frustrating performance from the tournament favourites.
Costa Rica would have been good value for a share of the spoils, and missed the first half's best opportunity, when Celso Borges flashed an effort wide from 15 yards.

Brazil started slowly and tried to turn up the heat in the second period, but struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Neymar below par.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar thought he had won a penalty late on, only for VAR to intervene and referee Bjorn Kuipers.

However, after Roberto Firmino's knockdown was turned into Coutinho's path by Gabriel Jesus, the Barcelona midfielder finally fired past Keylor Navas.