AS Roma leftback Alexander Kolarov scored a stunning second half freekick to help his side to a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in the opening match of Group E at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia.

Costa Rica started as the better side before the Serbians began to seize control towards halftime as chances were at a premium in the half only for Kolarov to light up the game with a stunning freekick eleven minutes after restart.

The goal from the Serbian captain was the first scored by the European nation since the 2010 World Cup final and a 3rd strike in his last 9 games.

Serbia thereafter held on for the remainder of the game to start their Group E campaign on a winning note.

Mladen Krstajic’s team will now face fellow European side Switzerland in their second group game on Friday, while Costa Rica face a tough clash with tournament favourites Brazil the same day.