World Cup - Brazil 5 Costa Rica 2

Some rubbish Brazilian defending made this an entertaining game but the South American World Cup favorites produced forceful attacking power at times to knock Costa Rica out of the tournament.

Brazil took an early lead with an own goal from Luis Marin.

Ronaldo claimed the goal in the 9th minute after he went to ground at the near post with two defenders to meet a low cross from Edilson but Marin definitely steered the ball into the net as he tried to challenge.

An eager Ronaldo was back for more three minutes later when a corner kick from the left was not cleared by two defenders at the near post with Ronaldo and he was able to bring the ball down step inside and scuff a low shot past an immobile Erick Lonnis in the Costa Rican goal. It was his 40th goal in 60 games and he overtakes Bebeto to become 4th in the all-time scoring list for the Selecao.

A minute later the Costas almost pulled a goal back when Walter Centeno hit a header over when he was unmarked in the penalty area.

Missing Roque Junior meant the Brazilians were vulnerable to crosses throughout the game and Costa Rica could have made better use of this weakness.

Wright was unmarked at a corner in the 29th minute to head over and Ronald Gomez skidded a header wide at the far post after an angled cross and a stronger team may threaten Brazil in the air.

A wonder goal from Edmilson saw Brazil hit a third in the 37th minute.

A low cross from Ronaldo was deflected into the air and the Brazilian centre back launched himself into the air to heat a well-timed overhead kick through Lonnis and into the net.

Costa Rica struck straight back as Wright and Wanchope played a one-two to send Wright free on the right hand side of the penalty area to hit a shot deflected by Lucio under goalkeeper Marcos.

Ronaldo did great work down the left wing to set up Rivaldo in the goal mouth but he hit his shot way over the bar with his weaker right foot.

Rivaldo made some amends in the 46th minute by showing what he can do with his left foot and he curled a free kick from the right hand side of the penalty area against the far post and Junior struck the rebound low and wide form the edge of the penalty area.

In the 56th minute Gomez headed in a right wing cross and that was the goal which gave the Costas hope.

A two-goal losing margin would have seen them through on goal difference from Turkey but Junior on his debut then undid them.

The left back ran down the left wing and crossed to the near post for Rivaldo to get across his marker Marin to steer the ball wide of Lonnis in the 61st minute and three minutes Junior was put clear on the left hand side to run in and clip the ball in.

Castro was put clear on 70 minutes after a back heel form Gomez which Marcos had to dive at his feet and save and Junior sent a corner against his own post with Wright unable to stick in the rebound.

Substitute Ronaldo Fonseca then hit a shot across the face of goal before Ronaldo rounded Marcos in the 82nd minute but his shot from a tight angle hit the post.

Wanchope carried the ball clear from a Marcos challenge but his shot came back off the cross bar with Gilberto clearing the rebound with four minutes to go and the Costas were done for the 2002 finals.