Atlético Madrid’s Brazilian forward Diego Costa scores the only goal as his side secured a big win in the Madrid derby.
The 24-year-old striker was a constant thorn in the Real Madrid defence until he was substituted on the 85th minute, and he caused problems for Pepe and Sergio Ramos with a typically spiky performance.
He’ll wind up his opponents even when he doesn’t have the ball with his unique brand of sledging, but he also has the skill and technique to back up his words when he has the ball at his feet, as demonstrated by his expertly taken goal.
His stand-out performance in one of the biggest games of his club’s season, will spark further debate about his international future. Luiz Felipe Scolari still refuses to pick him for the Brazil squad, despite the fact that Costa has proven himself to be one of the best Brazilian forwards around.
His impressive performances have alerted the Spain national set up, and their coach Vicente del Bosque could call him up if given clearance to do so by FIFA. He is eligible to play for Spain due to the amount of time he’s spent living and working in the country, and he’s spent much of his footballing career there.
Scolari has responded to this by criticising the switching of national allegiances, and it is rumoured that Costa’s willingness to jump ship hasn’t gone down to well, and may have harmed his chances of a Brazil call up.
As Brazil search for a reliable back-up striker to Fluminense striker Fred, who is currently injured, Diego Costa would seem like the ideal man to step in, purely from a football point of view. However, his willingness to play for Spain may not go down well amongst his fellow Brazilians.