Costa Rica vs Serbia Betting Tip
2018 FIFA World Cup | Sunday, 17th June 2018 | 3:00 pm (local time) | Samara
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3/1 at  |
| Draw |
11/5 at  |
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1/1 at  |
Costa Rica vs Serbia | Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds
One of the nicest surprises of the last World Cup held in Brazil, is about to start another campaign, hoping to achieve something similar like four years ago. Back then, the Ticos finished their participation in the quarterfinals, not losing a single match. But that is going to be a hard task, as they have Serbia for their first opponent. The team who missed four of the last five big tournaments is coming to Russia with an ambition to proceed to the round of 16. Along with Switzerland, these two nations have equal chances to grab the second spot in the group behind Brazil.
Match Preview
The match in Samara is going to be very intense, and fierce because both teams can not afford to lose. A defeat already in the opening match would decrease the prospects for the knock-out stage enormously, and that is why a cautious and defensive-minded game should be expected. Both rivals prefer to secure the paths towards their goalkeepers and after that to take the ball. Costa Rica is a bit faster team than the Serbs, but on the other hand, the Eagles have domination in the air.
Costa Rica
Ticos weren’t that convincing in the qualifiers. Although they finished second in the group behind Mexico, elimination from the competition was not far away. Their main strength are lightning counter-attacks, and the majority of players on the pitch have fantastic athletic abilities. After all, that is how they managed to amaze the world back in Brazil. Joel Campbell is the guy who is the main threat because the top scorer Marco Urena is doubtful for this game. Also, don’t forget about Brian Ruiz, who is the brain of this assembly. The best player is, without any debate, Keylor Navas. Real Madrid’s goalkeeper is the best in the world when it comes to that position.
Serbia
Turbulences struck Serbian national team once the qualification process ended. Their coach Slavoljub Muslin got sacked, and Mladen Krstajic replaced him. The newly appointed manager has no experience at this position, and he is the weakest link of this team. Serbs finished first in the group in front of Republic of Ireland, Wales, and Austria. Eagles prefer to play patient and slow football, relying on wingers Tadic and Kostic, who are combining upfront with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham’s striker. The key player in this selection is Nemanja Matic, Manchester United’s midfielder. He is the glue between the back line and the attackers.
Costa Rica vs Serbia Head to Head
This is going to be the first official game between the two nations.
Odds and Predictions
According to the odds in this one, Serbia is closer to get all three points. Bookies believe in the Europan nation, and on one naira invested in their win, you will get two in return. Costa Rica to win is at 29/10, while a draw is 12/5.
Costa Rica vs Serbia Top Betting Tip: Draw
If we stop for a moment and look at the whole picture the most reasonable betting tip here is a draw. Why? Well simply, neither of the teams is going to risk losing the opening game and reducing the chances of getting their hands on the second place. The primary assignment is going to be tough defense without too many attacks. Also, we are not so sure that Serbia is better than Costa Rica, despite what the bookies claim. Krstajic is not a guy who can handle these situations quite well. New, inexperienced and certainly without a quality for meetings like this one.
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