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FIFA World Cup 2018: Branislav Ivanovic becomes Serbia's most capped player in Costa Rica match

Branislav Ivanovic made his 104th international appearance in the match against Costa Rica.

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Branislav Ivanovic became Serbia's most capped player after he was named in the side for their World Cup Group E opener against Costa Rica at the Samara Arena on Sunday.

The former Chelsea defender made his 104th international appearance, surpassing the previous record of 103 by former midfielder Dejan Stankovic.

Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic, taking charge of his first competitive game, picked in-form striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to spearhead the attack.

Costa Rica have stuck with the spine of the team who reached the quarter-finals four years ago, with Real Madrid's Keylor Navas in goal, Deportivo La Coruna's Celso Borges in midfield and captain Bryan Ruiz as their main creative influence. 

Serbia captain Aleksandar Kolarov said Saturday that Costa Rica, rival of his national team in both sides' 2018 World Cup opener, has very good defenders. 

The Roma defender reiterated that Costa Rica has a quick playing style and strong defenders, as well as well-known forwards.

Kolarov downplayed the defeats suffered by Costa Rica in the pre-World Cup friendlies against England and Belgium.

The Serbian defender stressed that his Serbian Eagles team respected Costa Rica as Los Ticos reached the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, yet Kolarov expressed his confidence that Serbia would play well in Sunday's opener.

Serbia is to compete in Group E along with Brazil, Switzerland and Costa Rica.

(With Efeservicios Inputs)

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