Verdict: Brazil win at HT – yes
Best Odds: 16/25
Bookmaker: 888sport
There is no question that Brazil are one of the biggest contenders to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, but their opening performance against Switzerland (1-1) was well below the expectations. However, La Selecao are ready to leave that performance in the rear view, and will have a golden chance to turn things around when they take on Costa Rica. The game will kick off this Friday at 13:00 hrs (BST).
Brazil
It was quite hard to rate Brazil’s performance in the debut against the Swiss side. La Canarinha looked quite good in the first half and Philippe Coutinho scored an absolute screamer, but the team’s performance on both ends of the pitch decreased considerably in the second half to the point that a defensive mistake forced them to concede and ultimately settle with a draw. But Brazil can perform much better than that, and they will likely come into this game with a huge sense of urgency. After all, Brazil are riding a 12-game undefeated streak (W8, D4) coming into this game, while conceding just once in their last six outings. It seems Tite’s men have everything on their favour to secure their first win of the competition. But for that to happen, they must avoid complacency and need to take advantage of their chances considering Costa Rica feature one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Keylor Navas.
Team News
There is a chance that Fred, who was announced as a Manchester United signing this past Thursday, will be available coming off the bench. The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder did not play in the tournament opener due to injury.
Expect Tite to field the same starting XI that featured against Switzerland. That includes the foursome of Neymar, Coutinho, Willian and Gabriel Jesus leading the way.
Costa Rica
On the other hand, we have a Costa Rican side that are coming off a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Serbia. Despite the fact that Aleksandar Kolarov’s superb free kick was the only reason why the Balkan side defeated Los Ticos, it is safe to say that Costa Rica must perform better on the attacking end. However, that is easier said than done; especially considering they will take on one of the most talented teams in the world in Brazil. All signs indicate that Navas will have to be at his best in order to give Costa Rica a decent chance to pull the upset, as their recent form has not been very good. Costa Rica have lost four of their past five games across all competitions (W1, L4), and they are clear underdogs heading into this game on paper. Will they be able to pull the upset? Or will they drop another game knowing that a negative result would result on their elimination?
Team News
Costa Rica will be at full strength ahead of this game.
Based on latest reports, there are no injured or suspended players.
Key Factors to Consider
- Brazil are riding a 12-game undefeated streak (W8, D4) heading into this game.
- On the other hand, Costa Rica have lost four of their last five matches, registering one win and four defeats over that span.
- La Selecao have won their six competitive matches against Los Ticos. Over those six matches, Brazil register 17 goals scored and only three conceded.
- Only two of the six competitive matches between Brazil and Costa Rica have seen both sides scoring (BTTS).
- Costa Rica have scored just one goal in their last five matches across all competitions.
Conclusion
Brazil are likely to dominate this game right from the get go. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them build a lead at the HT break. And if that happens, they should not have issues to walk away with the three points after the final whistle.
Verdict: Brazil win at HT – yes
Best Odds: 16/25
Bookmaker: 888sport
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