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WORLD FOOTBALL

    Brazil vs. Costa Rica: Team News, Live Stream, TV Info for World Cup 2018

    Gill Clark@@gillclarkyX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IJune 21, 2018

    Brazil's forward Neymar reacts before the Russia 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Brazil and Switzerland at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-On-Don on June 17, 2018. (Photo by Pascal GUYOT / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read PASCAL GUYOT/AFP/Getty Images)
    PASCAL GUYOT/Getty Images

    Brazil take on Costa Rica in their second group game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Friday at the Saint Petersburg Stadium.

    The Selecao are one of the favourites to win the tournament but have work to do after being held to a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their opening match.

    Costa Rica are also winless after being beaten 1-0 by Serbia, and it will be a major surprise if they were to pull off a win against Tite's men.

                 

    Date: Friday, June 22

    Time: 1 p.m. BST, 8 a.m. ET

    TV Info: Live on ITV (UK), Fox (U.S.)

    Live Stream:  ITV Hub, Fox Soccer Match Pass

             

    Team News

    Brazil vs. Costa Rica: Team News, Live Stream, TV Info for World Cup 2018
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    Neymar has recovered from an ankle injury that forced him out of training on Tuesday and is expected to play, according to Marca's Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa.

    Midfielder Fred has also returned to training after missing the opening game due to injury. He could come into the reckoning if Tite wants to freshen up his team.

    Costa Rica have no new injury problems but could opt to change their team after failing to offer much in attack against Serbia. Arsenal forward Joel Campbell is an option to come into the starting XI after only being used as a substitute in their opening game.

              

    All Eyes On Neymar Against Costa Rica

    Neymar is yet to score at the World Cup, but he has still managed to attract plenty of attention. ESPN showed his contribution to the tournament so far:

    ESPN UK @ESPNUK

    Neymar at the #WorldCup after one game. Hairstyles: 4 Goals: 0 https://t.co/UZBBgV6EkK

    Switzerland ensured they kept a close eye on him in their opening game as he was regularly fouled, per Opta:

    OptaFranz @OptaFranz

    10 - Neymar won 10 fouls today vs. Switzerland, the last player to suffer 10 fouls in a WC match has been Alan Shearer 1998 vs. Tunisia (11). Ouch. #BRASUI #WM2018 https://t.co/xnJjv3TAfT

    Neymar could not inspire Brazil to victory against Switzerland, and after a bright start to the game, Tite's side lost their way and were held to a surprise draw.

    An improvement will be needed against Costa Rica and more will be demanded of Neymar. Football writer Paulo Freitas said he must be less selfish:

    Paulo Freitas @Cynegeticus

    @Papoulout @OnefootballEN Neymar is too selfish at times and tries to do things by himself, without him Brazil should play more like a team.

    The scrutiny will be on Neymar, but Brazil have a team packed full of talent that can hurt Costa Rica. Philippe Coutinho scored against Switzerland, while Gabriel Jesus and Willian will also pose a threat.

    Costa Rica may not provide quite as stubborn opposition as Switzerland, but Brazil will be wary that it took a brilliant free-kick from Aleksandar Kolarov to defeat them in their opening game.

    Football writer Andrew Gaffney offered his view of their display against Serbia:

    Andrew Gaffney @GaffneyVLC

    Costa Rica, with the exception of Keylor Navas, have been utterly woeful. #WorldCup

    Goalkeeper Keylor Navas is Costa Rica's best player, and the Real Madrid star will be expecting a busy match against Brazil's powerful attacking players.

    Brazil are favourites to win the match and after dropping points in their opening match will be expected to turn on the style and win comfortably.