Brazil drawing 0-0 with Costa Rica at halftime

Brazil’s Neymar in action with Costa Rica’s Cristian Gamboa REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci

ST. PETERSBURG: Brazil had more of the possession and more of the shots but they could not turn their dominance into goals as the first half of their second World Cup Group E match with Costa Rica ended 0-0 on Friday.

Gabriel Jesus had the ball in the net after 26 minutes but it was correctly ruled out for offside. Both Philippe Coutinho and Marcelo had long-range shots that whizzed off target, while Celso Borges shot wide from eight metres out for Costa Rica in what was perhaps the best chance of the game.