Samara: Aleksandar Kolarov produced a moment of captain's inspiration, curling home a superb free-kick as Serbia got their World Cup Group E campaign up and running with a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica on Sunday.
With Costa Rica proving a tough nut to crack, Kolarov stepped up to bury a 25-metre effort from wide on the right, lighting up an otherwise tight game in the southern Russian city of Samara.
Serbia had dominated against a Costa Rica side who had rarely threatened after a bright start, but chances were thin on the ground until Kolarov made the breakthrough in the 56th minute.
With Brazil heavy favourites to win the group, which also features Switzerland, the victory delivered a potentially vital three points for Serbia and left Costa Rica in a precarious position.
Serbia's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic attempts an overhead kick. ReutersAfter a furious start in which Serbia's Aleksandar Mitrovic had a header scooped off the line and Costa Rica's Giancarlo Gonzalez failed to convert two headed chances, the match settled into a more predictable pattern.
Serbia bossed the ball as their enterprising midfield, fusing the experience of Manchester United enforcer Nemanja Matic and the raw talent of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, got on top.
The Lazio playmaker was Serbia's most creative influence, although his blushes were spared by the linesman's flag when he fluffed a first-half chance after racing through on goal.
That would have been easily forgotten, however, had he converted an outrageous overhead kick moments before the break that forced a brilliant save from Keylor Navas.
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FIFA World Cup: Brazil vs Switzerland
Brazil's forward Neymar falls during the World Cup match against Switzerland. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Brazil vs Switzerland
Switzerland midfielder Steven Zuber (L) celebrates his goal during the Group E match against Brazil. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Brazil vs Switzerland
Brazilian fans during the World Cup Group E match between Brazil and Switzerland. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Brazil vs Switzerland
Brazil's forward Neymar reacts during the Group E against Switzerland at the Rostov Arena. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Germany vs Mexico
Mexico's forward Hirving Lozano celebrates after scoring a goal against Germany at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Reuters
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FIFA World Cup: Germany vs Mexico
Germany's forward Thomas Mueller reacts during the Group F match between Germany and Mexico. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Germany vs Mexico
Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa dives to make a save during the match against Germany. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Germany vs Mexico
Fans of the German team cheer holding flags during the Group F match between Germany and Mexico. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Germany vs Mexico
Mexican defender Carlos Salcedo prepares to throw in during the match against Germany. Reuters
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FIFA World Cup: Costa Rica vs Serbia
Serbian captain Aleksandar Kolarov celebrates after scoring a goal against Costa Rica at the Samara Arena. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Costa Rica vs Serbia
Nemanja Matic reacts during the match between Costa Rica and Serbia. Reuters
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FIFA World Cup: Costa Rica vs Serbia
Costa Rica's midfielder David Guzman runs with the ball during the Group E match against Serbia at the Samara Arena. AFP
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FIFA World Cup: Costa Rica vs Serbia
Serbia's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic attempts an overhead kick during the Group D match against Costa Rica. Reuters
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FIFA World Cup: Costa Rica vs Serbia
Serbia's Dusan Tadic (L) in action with Costa Rica's Marco Urena during the Group E match at the Samara Arena. Reuters
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The bullish Mitrovic spearheaded the Serbia attack and was a menace to Costa Rica with his battering ram approach, but when a fantastic chance fell his way early in the second half, his tame sidefoot finish was easily saved by Navas.
It mattered little, however, as the deadlock was broken when Kolarov produced his moment of magic, curlin his free kick left-footed over the wall and past the despairing dive of Navas.
There were few chances in the closing stages with Costa Rica substitute Joel Campbell, a mainstay of their run to the quarters four years ago, taking too long to get a shot away when he appeared to be through.
Serbian appeals for a penalty were waved away when Mitrovic went down in the box but their disappointment lasted only until the final whistle.
