Costa Rica figured to be the first casualty in one of this tournament’s Groups of Death, Group D. At the outset of the tournament, they were the longest odds of any team to win the World Cup, at a huge +100,000, and weren’t expected to so much as score a goal. Instead, they dealt a potentially lethal blow to Uruguay’s World Cup hopes by upsetting the South Americans, 3-1, in convincing fashion.
Los Ticos now set their sights on the other team we picked to advance with Uruguay in our Group D preview, Italy. The Azzurri expertly brought down England, 2-1, and will not make the mistake of taking Costa Rica lightly.
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[sc:Soccer ]Italy vs. Costa Rica, World Cup 2014, Group Stage Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
When: June 20, 12:00 PM ET
Line: Italy -187 at Costa Rica +415; tie +276; total 2.0 – view all World Cup lines
Betting on Italy
Italy was thrown a curveball when it lost star goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon to an ankle injury on the eve of their match with England, but the Azzurri were undeterred by his absence. Instead, Italy executed an astute gameplan with their superior experience and efficiency to claim a 2-1 win over England.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Italy’s expert defense was tested on several occasions by the pace and versatility of England’s front four, but they weathered the storm as England eventually faded late. Costa Rica don’t have the number of talented forwards that England had, which should allow Italy to key in on select individuals.
Furthermore, Costa Rica’s element of surprise is gone. The Italians will know not to underestimate the Ticos, and should make the necessary tactical changes to account for their threatening players.
Italy didn’t look as dynamic as England going forward, but they were effective. Italy’s midfield, with the passing ability of both Andrea Pirlo and Marco Verratti, should be able to control possession better than Uruguay did against the Costa Ricans.
Meanwhile, Mario Balotelli keeps coming up with the big goals for Italy. Balotelli scored the winner against England, his 13th international goal. Italy is undefeated (nine wins, two draws) in the 11 games he’s scored in.
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Betting on Costa Rica
Costa Rica were known more for their defensive solidity rather than any attacking prowess entering the tournament, so when they went down early against Uruguay, the writing looked to be on the wall. Los Ticos had other plans, however, as they stormed back in the second half to emerge 3-1 winners.
Striker Joel Campbell spearheaded the attack for Costa Rica incredibly well. The lone frontman exploited Uruguay’s slow-footed centerbacks time and again with his exceptional speed en route to scoring the equalizing goal and setting up another. After seeing how England similarly caused the Italian defense headaches, Campbell may be in for a repeat performance.
Good as Campbell was, he could still use some help, notably from Bryan Ruiz. Considered as arguably Costa Rica’s most talented player, Ruiz was mostly anonymous against Uruguay. The Ticos will need their playmaker to be more involved against a much stouter Italian defense.
Costa Rica had the good fortune to not face Luis Suarez against Uruguay, but their defense handled the still-dangerous pairing of Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan. Likewise, goalie Keylor Navas was in fine form, as he made some expert saves to keep Costa Rica in the game. Navas is as reliable as they come between the sticks, and should present a considerable challenge for the Italian attack.
Writer’s Prediction
Costa Rica continues to shock the world with another improbable result against the Azzurri. With their steadfast defense, the Costa Ricans earn a draw with the Italians, a result that is priced at +276.
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