All three matches played at the 2018 Men’s World Cup on FRI 22 JUN 2018 started slowly, and in each case the intensity climbed rapidly in the second half.

• Brazil 02-00 Costa Rica: Led by goalkeeper Keylor NAVAS, a resolute Tico defense kept Brazil off the scoresheet going into stoppage time, though their effort was aided by the video assistant referee. A penalty was awarded to Brazil in the 78th minute, but after review, referee Björn KUIPERS rescinded the call, deciding that Giancarlo GONZÁLEZ did not in fact tug NEYMAR’s shirt. But the Verdeamarelhos did finally break through in the first minute of stoppage time, as Philippe COUTINHO placed his shot between the legs of the onrushing Navas. Neymar then added a second, securing three vital points in Group E and putting an end to Costa Rica’s hopes of advancement.
• Nigeria 02-00 Iceland: After a largely quiet first half, the Super Eagles scored twice in the second, both by Ahmed MUSA on counterattacks. Iceland were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute following a video review, only to see Gylfi SIGURÐSSON miss high. Nigeria jump to second in Group D and can advance to the elimination phase with a win over Argentina on Tuesday. Iceland are still alive but must defeat Croatia and hope for a favourable result in the Nigeria-Argentina match.
• Serbia 01-02 Switzerland: Serbia started brightly as Aleksandar MITROVIĆ found net with a fourth minute header. Early in the second half, Switzerland equalised on a dazzling strike from twenty five yards out by Granit XHAKA. But in the 67th minute, Mitrović was outraged after he was dragged to the ground by two Swiss defenders; neither referee Felix BRYCH nor the VAR took any action. Xherdan SHAQIRI would score the winner in the 90th minute on a counterattack. Switzerland, now level with Brazil atop Group E, can secure a place in the last sixteen by defeating Costa Rica on Wednesday. Serbia face Brazil at the same time, and in all likelihood will need a victory to advance.