Brazil leaves it late to beat Costa Rica 2-0 at World Cup

After more than 90 minutes of aggravation and exasperation, Neymar and Brazil finally broke through Costa Rica’s smothering defense.

Philippe Coutinho scored in the first minute of stoppage time, and Neymar followed six minutes later to give Brazil a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica on Friday at the World Cup.

Unlike Argentina and Lionel Messi, Brazil is still in a good position to advance to the round of 16. Costa Rica has been eliminated.

Van Gaal leads Dutch into World Cup semifinals

Louis van Gaal made the call, and Tim Krul made the saves.

In another move that will only add to his reputation as a tactical mastermind, the Netherlands coach led his team into the World Cup semifinals after bringing on Krul with seconds remaining in extra time.

Messi guides Argentina into semis, Dutch scrape in

The Argentines didn't need a late winner from Lionel Messi this time, settling in to protect a 1-0 margin against Belgium that earned them a first trip to the World Cup semifinals in 24 years.

World Cup Capsules

Costa Rica beat Greece in a penalty shootout Sunday to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time after defending with 10 men for nearly an hour.

Michael Umana scored the decisive penalty as Costa Rica won the shootout 5-3 after the game ended 1-1 following extra time.

Costa Rica continues to surprise by beating Italy

Costa Rica has turned the tables on the team's World Cup expectations.

Or at least on everyone else's expectations.

Costa Rica followed up its surprise win over Uruguay with another World Cup stunner on Friday, beating four-time champion Italy 1-0 to secure a spot in the next round and eliminate England in the process.

After entering the tournament as an expected underdog in a group featuring three former world champions, Costa Rica is now on top.