Serbia defeats Costa Rica 1-0 at the 2018 World Cup

The early-morning Father’s Day gift many Ticos had been hoping for did not materialize this morning: despite a wide-open first half, Costa Rica was dominated by Serbia in the second and lost 1-0 in its opening World Cup 2018 match.

Serbia's defender Dusko Tosic (C) and Serbia's defender Aleksandar Kolarov (L) celebrate their victory at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Costa Rica and Serbia. Emmanuel Dunand / AFP

Star goalkeeper Keylor Navas turned in a strong performance for La Sele as expected, but was unable to stop a powerful free kick by Aleksandar Kolarov in the second half. Costa Rica had no shots on goal until the final minutes.

Serbia takes the lead in Group E; the other two teams in the group, Brazil and Switzerland, face off later today. Costa Rica will play Brazil on June 22 at 6 am Costa Rica time.

Costa Rica's players leave the pitch following their defeat in the Russia 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Costa Rica and Serbia Fabrice Cofrini / AFP