World Cup: Kolarov's sublime free-kick sees Serbia win against Costa Rica

With games against Brazil and Switzerland lying in wait in Group E. This is a crucial opening game for Serbia and Costa Rica to press their credentials

Serbia got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start as Aleksandar Kolarov's sublime free-kick secured a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica.
 

Aleksandar Kolarov's sensational free-kick proved the difference as Serbia got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in Group E.

Serbia, who enjoyed a distinct height advantage, were too reliant on the long ball approach, but lack of creativity up front prevented them from exploiting their dominance in the air.

The Serbian defence, however, was well organised and offered the Costs Rican forwards very little space to exploit.

Costa Rica had