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The group E opener will see Costa Rica take on Serbia, and the two teams will know a result will be needed if they are to advance over Switzerland or Brazil.
Costa Rica had a dream tournament in the last World Cup, where they were inches away from reaching the semifinals, but lost a penalty shootout to Netherlands in the quarters. The Central Americans built well on that result and had a good qualifying campaign, finishing second behind Mexico and never being in danger of missing out on the World Cup. In the pre – World Cup friendlies Costa Rica defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 before losing to England (0-2) and Belgium (1-4).
Serbia has a talented generation of players which finally seems to have found cohesion after a few disappointments, and they will have high hopes of advancing from Group E. The Serbs managed to win a very challenging group with Ireland, Wales and Austria, losing just once in 10 games and scoring 20 goals. Serbia played two friendlies before the World Cup, losing 0-1 against Chile and routing Bolivia 4-1.
Bet on Costa Rica vs Serbia and claim your 100% (100 Eur) bonus at Ohmbet now!Team news & lineups:
Both teams are reported to be at full strength coming into this match.
Costa Rica: Navas – Gamboa, Acosta, Gonzalez, Duarte, Oviedo – Ruiz, Borges, Guzman, Bolanos – Urena
Serbia: Stojkovic – Ivanovic, Milenkovic, Tosic, Kolarov – Savic, Matic – Tadic, Ljajic, Kostic – Mitrovic
Serbia is a solid side and played some very good football in the qualifying campaign. They must be given full respect, but that`s not to say they should be expected to have an easy time against Costa Rica. This Costa Rican side has proved itself to be very resilient on multiple occasions, and they have World Cup experience and pedigree.
Costa Rica does seem to be a bit disrespected by the bookies here, as they will have an honest chance against Serbia and should be able to make this a competitive game. Despite this, bookmakers give Serbia more than a 55% chance to win.
This should be close game between two good teams, so a bet on Costa Rica to cover a +0.75 asian handicap seems to make sense, particularly considering that a 1 goal Serbia win would return half the stakes. Look for the Central Americans to trouble Serbia with their feistiness, resilience and their well organized defense. Prediction: Costa Rica – Serbia 0-0.
Pick: Costa Rica (+0,75 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.79 @ Sbobet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 5.53
Event date: 17 June
