World Cup 2018: Brazil vs Costa Rica: 5 Best, Worst & Average Players

1. Best: Philippe Coutinho

The heartbeat of this Brazilian team

For two games running now, Coutinho has proven out to be the difference-maker, the goal-scorer in the Brazilian team. His tendency to keep things simple with the possession of the ball, before occasionally releasing that peach final delivery into the box made him an unpredictable proponent to deal with.

After the introduction of Douglas Costa at halftime, the attacking flair was much more balanced on both the flanks and hence Coutinho could decipher much more space through the centre to trouble the Costa Rican defence.

One of his balls to Gabriel Jesus should have resulted into the goal in the first half, but the lad failed to time his run well. Coutinho was drifting in and across the forward line and kept moving between the midfield and attacking lines in order to create some unrest and break Costa Rica’s strong defensive formation.

Phillipe tried that occasional long-range shot too, but this time the ball flew over the crossbar twice. His technique and temperament for finishing the goal in the 91st minute just go on to explain why the man is the talisman of this Brazilian team.

Coutinho showed composure and displayed his sumptuous skills at the same time, eventually providing that final touch for the goal that the Selecao so desperately needed.