Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 58/50
Bookmaker: 888sport
Looking at Group E, everyone is talking about Brazil topping it after the group stages are done. That is a normal thing, when you look at their team and the teams they are playing with. Yet, Costa Rica, Serbia and Switzerland will all be fighting for a place in the second round, as well. The match against Ticos and the Eagles will be an interesting one, because it could decide plenty of things and tell us much more about the two sides.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica arrive at the tournament after a great World Cup in 2014. They reached quarter finals back then, but right now no one really expects them to repeat that feat. They have an experienced side that finished second in CONCACAF qualifiers, behind only Mexico and ahead of Panama, Honduras and United States. This group seems like a good fit for them, as they could show what they can do and they will want to do better than in recent friendlies. They lost easily to England and Belgium, but beating Northern Ireland comfortably. They also lost to Tunisia, after previously narrowly beating Scotland. Costa Rica will be expected to play in a mix of 5-4-1/5-3-2 during the World Cup, with Marco Urena spearheading the attack/
Team News
Costa Rica are not in full strength for this match. Ronald Mataritta is injured and will not play the match, but that will only shorten their substitute options, as Bryan Oviedo is expected to start at left-back anyway.
Serbia
Serbia are coming back to the greatest stage after eight years. There are plenty of question marks surrounding this team, as they sacked Slavoljub Muslin and gave the job to Mladen Krstajic, a coach who never coached any team before. However, that might not be too big of a problem, as Serbia have a good mix of experienced and young, exciting players. Branislav Ivanovic, Aleksandar Kolarov, Antonio Rukavina and Vladimir Stojkovic were all playing in South Africa in 2010, while Nemanja Matic is an important Manchester United player. On the other hand, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is one of the hottest prospects in European football right now and Andrija Zivkovic is another talented player who played very well for Benfica. They will lineup in 4-2-3-1 and the question remains of who will play alongside Matic and who will exactly be the three attacking midfielders/wingers playing behind in-form Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Team News
There are no unavailable players for Mladen Krstajic. Adem Ljajic and Mitrovic did not train as much this week, after they had slight injury issues after the friendly against Bolivia, but both will be ready for the match in Samara.
Key Factors to Consider
- Serbia topped their qualifying group, but both Republic of Ireland and Wales conceded four goals less than them.
- Serbia conceded 10 goals in as many qualifying matches.
- Costa Rica were tough to break, a team that lost only two out of their 10 matches in CONCACAF qualifiers, but also drew four times.
- Costa Rica averaged 2.2 goals per match in their qualifying group.
Conclusion
Germany look like the best team on paper. However, Mexico can pull the upset if things click for them. And at the very least, they will make things difficult for the reigning World Cup champions.
Expect this game to be an intense battle – as it has been every time these two sides met. And we could certainly see over 2,5 goals scored.
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 58/50
Bookmaker: 888sport
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