Action from the international friendly between Brazil and Costa Rica (white jersey) on September 5, 2015, in Harrison, New Jersey, USA. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
HARRISON, New Jersey – Brazil capitalized on a quick start to defeat Costa Rica 1-0 in an international friendly on Saturday at Red Bull Arena.
Costa Rica goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton did well to thwart chances within the opening seven minutes by an unmarked David Luiz, who should have scored from the edge of the six-yard box, and Hulk on a free kick.
The Alajuelense star, though, couldn’t stop Hulk in the 10th minute. The 29-year-old forward outmuscled Giancarlo Gonzalez to collect a long ball played into the right side of the box from the defensive end. After slipping, he had time to get up and find the back of the net with his left foot from 12-yards out.
Bryan Ruiz thought he had equalized for the Ticos in the 55th minute, but his brilliant one-timed effort from seven yards was judged offside.
It was the Central American champion’s first game under former national team star and Alajuelense manager Oscar Ramirez, who was appointed to the post following Paulo Wanchope’s resignation last month.
Costa Rica -- currently riding an 11-game winless streak -- returns to action on Tuesday, when it hosts Uruguay at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose.
