Brazil coach Tite revealed he hurt himself celebrating Philippe Coutinho's late strike against Costa Rica as the five-time champions won their first game at the 2018 World Cup.

The competition's most decorated nation were in danger of failing to win either of their first two games in Russia before Coutinho prodded in a stoppage-time opener and Neymar added a second in a 2-0 success.

Brazil had been thwarted on multiple occasions in the second period, with Gabriel Jesus hitting the crossbar and Keylor Navas saving from Neymar, who was once more centre stage when his successful penalty appeal was overturned upon review from the video assistant referee.

However, Coutinho's finish banished the tension and frustration, and led to 57-year-old Tite tumbling onto the pitch during the celebrations among Brazil's squad and coaches.

"It kind of pulled a muscle - it tore some fibres, I think," he said in a post-match press conference.

"I'm limping during the celebration! Ederson and Cassio were there and I was like 'whoa, I'm hurt'. I was going to celebrate with them but I had to limp back!"

Tite's celebration says it all



Brazil notches its first win of the 2018 #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Glq0n2cLRe — Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 22, 2018

Expand Close Neymar appeared emotional after the game (Alastair Grant/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Neymar appeared emotional after the game (Alastair Grant/AP)

Up until Brazil's two late strikes, it looked like the most decisive moment had occurred just over 10 minutes from time when Neymar fell backwards to the ground after trying to cut across Costa Rica defender Giancarlo Gonzalez in the box.

At first, referee Bjorn Kuipers gave the spot-kick but the incident was looked at again by VAR and, though Gonzalez did grab at Neymar's jersey as he slipped, the contact appeared minimal prior to the world's most expensive footballer hitting the deck.

"If I was the referee I wouldn't go back on my decision but I respect that because it's subject to interpretation," Tite added.

"We don't need referees to win the game. We just want it to be fair. To me, it was a penalty. Brazil doesn't need any help."

As usual, Neymar had an eventful afternoon. He frequently argued with the referee, earned a caution for punching the ball into the ground and then appeared to sob after the full-time whistle.

Tite again stressed the Paris St Germain forward was still getting back up to speed following his lengthy spell out injured.

"His individuality shows up if the whole group is playing well - we can't put all the responsibility on the shoulders of one player," the Brazil coach said.

"He is resuming a process. He was (out for) three and a half months and he played the full match.

"He's a human being, he needs some time to resume his high standard. But before there is a team that has to be strong and not dependent on him."

PA Media