Kolarov free-kick guides Serbia past Costa Rica

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Aleksandar Kolarov’s sensational free-kick was the difference as Serbia got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in Group E.

Both defences were tested in the opening moments ― Aleksandar Mitrovic had effort hooked off the line before Giancarlo Gonzalez headed straight at Vladimir Stojkovic at the other end.

Gonzalez spurned another gilt-edged chance 10 minutes later, as the Bologna defender headed over despite been unmarked at the back post.

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Marking his landmark 104th Serbia appearance, Branislav Ivanovic rolled back the years with a blistering run down the right soon after, but Keylor Navas did well to parry his cross away from Mitrovic.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic should have done better with a close-range effort 27 minutes in, only for the offside flag to spare the youngster’s blushes, before Kolarov drew the best out of Navas with a wicked free-kick.

And Serbia were almost punished for their lack of penetration when Francisco Calvo dragged a strike wide as Costa Rica enjoyed a short spell of possession just before the break.

 

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Navas showed his quality again five minutes after the restart, racing out to deny Mitrovic, who should have done better from 10 yards out.

Navas could do nothing to prevent Kolarov’s stunning opener, though ― Kolarov showing his set-piece proficiency with a venomous, dipping strike that flew in the top-right corner.

Oscar Ramirez introduced Arsenal’s Joel Campbell as Costa Rica chased an equaliser, and the forward had appeals for a penalty waved away when he went down under pressure from Dusko Tosic.

Campbell was proving a nuisance, and only a last-ditch challenge from Nikola Milenkovic prevented Costa Rica’s substitute from getting in on goal.

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Serbia substitute Filip Kostic and Mitrovic both wasted golden opportunities to extend Serbia’s advantage late on, the latter’s frustrating outing ended by substitution.

Serbia were not made to rue those misses, however, and ― although a touchline skirmish between Nemanja Matic and a Costa Rica coach threatened to derail proceedings ― stood firm to claim just their second victory from their last seven World Cup group stage matches.

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Dean Workman