Maicon expects Costa Rica backlash in semis

 BRAZIL'S quarter-final match winner Maicon insists the formbook will go out of the window when his side face Costa Rica for a place in the under-20 World Cup final in Egypt.

SUPER-SUB: Maicon celebrates coming off the bench to bag the winner against Germany (FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The 19-year-old came off the bench in Brazil's quarter-final clash to grab a last-gasp equaliser and then the winner in the first minute of extra-time against Germany.

That earned Brazil a semi-final encounter with Costa Rica, familiar opponents for the South Americans, having thumped Los Ticos 5-0 in the group stages.

But Maicon remains adamant Costa Rica will still pose a threat to Brazil, and fears they may adopt defensive tactics in a bid to frustrate his side.

"It's true that we've already beaten them once," said Maicon. "But it'll be a different story this time. I don't think they'll make the same mistakes again.

"And perhaps we won't be quite as inspired as we were that day. It'll be interesting to see how things turn out.

"At one point it did occur to me that the match [against Germany] was lost, but even so you can't give in and must keep believing.

"That's how we managed to level the score, and that goal changed the course of the game - you can't take anything for granted in this competition."

And despite turning the game against Germany on its head and rescuing Brazil from the verge of elimination, Maicon is refusing to take a starting place against Costa Rica for granted.

"Coach Rogerio has always made it very clear that while only 11 players can start each game, every one of the 21-man squad will have a part to play during the competition," he added.

"The other day it was my turn, but it could be somebody else's now. It's all about Brazil being crowned champions once more."

And Marcos Urena, fresh from netting last-gasp extra-time winner against the UAE in their quarter-final victory, is well aware Costa Rica cannot afford to make the same mistakes twice.

"We'll need to be smarter and pack more of a punch," he said. "We also need to punish them when we get the chance as they're simply ruthless.

"We learned that the hard way. If there's one thing I'm sure about, it's that we won't be gifting them anything.

"We were hoping to get another shot at Brazil. Our opening game was a nightmare for all of us, but for me in particular, as I played very poorly and missed a couple of chances.

"We came into this tournament with the aim of still being here on the final day, and we've already accomplished that. From now on, everything is a bonus."