#Match Report: Kolarov the hero as Serbia beat Costa Rica in their first ever encounter

Summary

Aleksandar Kolarov led from the front, scoring the only goal as Serbia beat Croatia in the first ever encounter in their 2018 World Cup opening game.

Marco Urena almost grabbed the opener for Costa Rica just two minutes into the game but he was denied by Stojkovic. Serbia were dangerous all through the game, threatening to break the deadlock a couple of times before half-time, and threatening to add a second goal after they took the lead..

Kolarov opened the scoring for Serbia in the 56 minute from a free-kick after Mitrovic had been brought down by David Guzman. He stepped back, and with his trademark left leg, curled a beautiful shot into the top left corner.

Serbia kept pressing on, troubling Navas, Costa Rica occassionaly doing the same to Stojkovic.

Moments

2′ Urena attempts to score an early goal for Costa Rica but fails.12′ Attempt missed. Giancarlo González (Costa Rica) header from very close range is too high. Assisted by David Guzmán with a cross following a corner.27′ Offside! Serbia. Aleksandar Kolarov tries a through ball, but Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is caught offside.50′ Major escape for Costa Rica.Aleksandar Mitrovic races on to a lobbed Sergej Milinkovic-Savic pass but Keylor Navas spreads himself and pushes the ball wide for a corner.56′ Goal! Aleksandar Kolarov curls his strike over the Costa Rica wall from the right channel some 25-yards out and finds the top corner. Serbia 1 Costa Rica 0.