Musa scores twice as Nigeria beat Iceland, Brazil overcome Costa Rica

Nigeria beat Iceland 2-0 on Friday to revive their hopes of advancing into the knockout stages of the World Cup in Russia, as striker Ahmed Musa dramatically marked his return to the team with two fine second-half goals. The result left both sides, and struggling Argentina, still in the hunt to go through from Group D along with already-qualified Croatia. But Argentina and World Cup debutants Iceland have to win their respective games against Nigeria and Croatia next week to have a chance of advancing. In only the second win for an African side in Russia so far, Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when Victor Moses, playing as a wing-back, lofted a pass towards Musa who deftly controlled the ball and smashed in the half volley. Musa, recalled to the starting team by coach Gernot Rohr, made it 2-0 in the 75th minute when he found space on the left, beat Iceland defender Kari Arnason and rounded goalkeeper Hannes Por Halldorsson before slamming the ball into the net. Brazil edge closer to last-16 It took until virtually the last kick after 96 minutes of frustration, but Neymar and Brazil have lift-off at the World Cup. For most of a sunny afternoon in Saint Petersburg, the worlds most expensive player battled against his own lack of match sharpness, an inspired Keylor Navas in the Costa Rica goal and referee Bjorn Kuipers. However, once Philippe Coutinho broke the deadlock in stoppage time, Brazils swagger returned. The relief of sealing Brazils first win in Russia was all too visible as Neymar broke down in tears moments after tapping home Douglas Costas cross for a 2-0 victory. Still haunted by demons after losing 7-1 in the semifinals at their own World Cup four years ago – a game Neymar missed – this threatened to turn into another World Cup nightmare for the five-time winners.