Brazil take on Costa Rica in must win World Cup clash (Preview)

IANS  |  Sochi 

and will need to step up their game when they take on in a must win Group E clash here on Friday.

He was hunted down mercilessly by the Swiss, drawing 10 of Brazil's 19 fouls, as many as some entire teams.

also lacked the zip which made him the world's most when French heavyweights Paris St Germain signed him from Spanish giants FC Barcelona last August.

There was an scare after he limped out of Tuesday's training session with a sore ankle but to his team's relief the forward is expected to be fit for what could be Brazil's fourth match without a win.

Costa Rica, on their part, are desperate for points after they lost their opener to

Quarter-finalists in the 2014 World Cup, have lost seven of their last nine matches and scored only five goals in the process.

"It is going to be a difficult game as are all games in the World Cup," Brazil attacking was quoted as saying.

"They are a good team. We saw the game against Serbia, and it was only decided through a dead ball situation."

"This is another opportunity for us. We need to do it, we are all focused. We are mentally strong to play a great game."

--IANS

dm/tri/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Thu, June 21 2018. 15:34 IST