Group E of the World Cup gets underway on Sunday and the opening match in the section sees the two lesser ranked sides opposing each other when Serbia take on Costa Rica in what both teams will see as a must win contest.
With Brazil looming large on the horizon you have to think that this is certainly a match that neither can afford to lose but in all likelihood it will need to be won if either harbour genuine hopes of getting out of the group.
Costa Rica
The quarter finalists of four years ago begin their campaign looking to have another decent run in the tournament. You would have to question whether they have progressed over that time, and if they have just how much they have done it by. I’m not convinced they are better. In fact I think they are a lot worse in the key areas of the pitch.
To be fair they are always going to be a defensively set up side. When you think their star man is their goalkeeper it makes sense to set up tight and see if they can get anything at the other end but that is where I see their problem being. They look very light of options and the ones they had four years ago are that much older now.
Serbia
Serbia are back in the World Cup and they are here having come through a very tough section in qualifying with the likes of Republic of Ireland, Wales and Austria all involved in it. That should serve them well because they are in a tight group here with a lot of defensive minded outfits up against them so nothing will be new to them.
I think in forward areas Serbia could be underrated. They have a good focal point to their attack, which a lot of sides have lacked thus far, and their guile and strength in midfield is clear for all to see. You would think experienced legs in their defence could be exposed but with the shield they get given getting through them is not easy.
Team News
Costa Rica have been dealt a blow with New York City FC full-back Ronald Matarrita out of the tournament before it has begun for them. Kenner Gutierrez has replaced him in the squad and could start.
There is talk that Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will not get the start in this match so it could be left to Dusan Tadic to either unlock the door or present Aleksandar Mitrovic with the chances to do exactly that.
[the_ad_group id=”3624″]
Betting
I’m not expecting a classic here I have to admit. I actually think this will be one of those tighter affairs we’ve seen in the tournament so far where both sides will want to win but in the back of their minds they will be more focused on not conceding and going on to lose the game.
We saw that in the Morocco vs Iran match where defences were on top after an initial 20 minute storm that needed weathering and I’m expecting much the same here. Once the initial burst blows over I would expect two experienced defences and the shields in front of them to settle in so under 2 looks to have every chance of landing, or pushing if we get unlucky.
Tips
WON – Back Under 2 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.90 with BetVictor
Back it here:
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2018
