2018 FIFA WORLD CUP – Brazil vs Costa Rica PREVIEW
Tournament favourites Brazil are back in action and after a disappointing opening game, they’re now turning their focus on Costa Rica. Brazil put in an average display in their opening game against Switzerland where some stars failed to shine, meanwhile Costa Rica lost 0-1 to Serbia from a magical free kick by Kolarov. Brazil know that they can’t drop points again as they could be in trouble, meanwhile Costa Rica will be playing for their lives, a loss here and Costa Rica are out. Can Costa Rica serve up something magical like in 2014, or will Brazil prove why they’re the favourites?
BRAZIL
Brazil did not have a great start to the world cup. An early banger from Coutinho made it look like Brazil would go and roll over Switzerland, but they got pegged back and struggled to break down Switzerland so it ended as a 1-1 draw. Switzerland were a tough nut to crack and Brazil did have their opportunities, however they wasted them. I’m not that worried about Brazil concerning that performance or result because every big team played poorly so far, however the way Neymar got hacked the whole game that led him to limping out in training afterwards was definitely a worry. Neymar didn’t look particularly great, maybe not fully fit yet and I think Brazil should actually be cautious and sit him against Costa Rica because if he’s not 100%, then he might as well take more time, I mean surely Brazil can still beat Costa Rica without Neymar right? Brazil looked relatively solid at the back against Switzerland which is a positive and although it looked like the goal they conceded was poor marking, it was actually a push on Miranda, but even the refs miss calls. Brazil just have to move on and improve.
Now coming into the game against Costa Rica, Brazil know that they need to pick up all 3 points. I expect Brazil to create more chances and look more like the Brazil that we’ve seen in preparation games and qualifiers. I wouldn’t be surprised if Neymar sat out, but Brazil have Douglas Costa and Firmino to bring on, or maybe even switch the formation to 4-3-3 moving Coutinho to LW and playing Fernandinho alongside Casemiro and Paulinho, it’s really a decision that Tite will have to make whether risk Neymar out there or sit him and give more rest. Brazil need to make sure they’re solid at the back and don’t give up any stupid chances to Costa Rica. A win here for Brazil puts them in a good position. If Brazil click, then they’ll win comfortably.
COSTA RICA
Well it looks like Costa Rica are back to reality this year. They couldn’t create the magic they had in 2014 and lost the opening game to Serbia 0-1. Costa Rica got outplayed for pretty much the whole of the game and got eventually beaten by a free kick goal by Kolarov. Serbia deserved to win that game by more goals, but they’ll take the win. Now Costa Rica’s backs are against the wall, facing the tournament favourites they have to make sure to avoid defeat because if Costa Rica lose they’re eliminated. Costa Rica didn’t provide any serious threat going forward other than Joel Campbell when he came on he injected some pace but didn’t really do anything special either. Costa Rica just looked below average all round and I think it’s normal because they simply overachieved 4 years ago and are not that good.
Coming into the 2nd game Costa Rica will need a miracle. Given the talent gap between them and Brazil there’s no way they can pull of a win, can they? I mean they did beat Italy and Uruguay in 2014, but surely the magic has run out. Costa Rica will have to play a game of their lives, their back line has to be organised as Brazil’s attack is quick, creative and very dangerous and not only that they have to deal with Brazil’s attack, Costa Rica still need to find a way to break down their solid defence. With the way Costa Rica played in the opening game, it’s very hard to see them breaking down Brazil. Costa Rica simply need a lot of luck on their side to win this game, they’ll have to have a perfect game plan to get something out of this game. Players like Ruiz, Campbell, Bolanos have to create something going forward and their back line has to literally give it all out there and even then it may not be enough. A miracle is the only way Costa Rica avoid a defeat.
Prediction
We should expect a dominant Brazil performance here and nothing else. I’m 50/50 on whether I see Neymar starting or not, but even without him Brazil have way too much fire power. They have Coutinho Jesus Firmino Willian Costa to pick from, just ridiculous depth. Doubt we’ll see Costa Rica create anything in this game as Brazil are just elite all around. Brazil’s performance in the opening game was not good enough and they know it so what other way to prove doubters wrong than to destroy Costa Rica? We should expect a 3-0 Brazil win.
Group Standings
1 Serbia 3 pts +1 GD
2-3 Brazil 1 pt 0 GD
2-3 Switzerland 1 pt 0 GD
4 Costa Rica 0 pts -1 GD
ODDS – Decimal (WilliamHill)
Brazil Win – 1.18
Draw – 6.50
Costa Rica Win – 17.00
KICK OFF – 22nd June 2018 – 1pm UK Time
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