Brazil vs Costa Rica | Betting Tip, Prediction & Odds
Brazil take on Costa Rica on Friday afternoon, with the World Cup Group E rivals both looking for their first win of the tournament in Saint Petersburg. Tite’s men were certainly not at their best against Switzerland, however Brazil will still be confident of collecting all three points later this week, while Costa Rica are looking to avoid a heavy defeat.
Match Preview
Brazil and Costa Rica meet in Saint Petersburg on Friday, with Tite’s side looking to demonstrate as to why they are the favourites to lift the World Cup with many football fans. Underdogs Costa Rica showed few signs that they are capable of causing an upset in their first match of the competition, with the Central American’s undoubtedly up against it. Brazil are the firm favourites for victory ahead of kick-off, however there are still plenty of attractive markets worth checking out before the match. For those still unsure of who to back, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the South American giants.
Brazil Team News & Form
A wonder goal from Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho was not enough to give Brazil all three points in their opening match, while Neymar Jr is believed to be struggling with injury ahead of their match with Costa Rica. Manager Tite is unlikely to make changes to their starting line-up, however the likes of Roberto Firmino and Fernandinho are pushing for starts.
Costa Rica Team News & Form
As for Costa Rica, manager Óscar Ramírez faces a massive battle to lift his side following their defeat against Serbia, where they showed little attacking threat. Arsenal man Joel Campbell could well return to the starting line-up following his substitute appearance last time around, while veteran Bryan Ruiz is likely to feature from the off also.
Brazil vs Costa Rica Head to Head
Brazil have won nine of their previous 10 meetings with Costa Rica, further justifying their status as the favourites ahead of kick-off this week. Costa Rica’s only ever success against Brazil came way back in 1960, with the last encounter between the duo coming in a friendly match back in 2015, when a single goal from Hulk was enough to hand Brazil a narrow victory.
Brazil vs Costa Rica Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite their struggles in their opening match, a hugely talented squad and their pre-World Cup forms means that it is Brazil who are the firm favourites for victory with the majority of online bookmakers. The South American’s are available to back for victory at best odds of 1/5 with bookmaker William Hill, while a surprise win for Costa Rica is priced at an attractive 18/1 on the same platform. Elsewhere, a draw between the duo is available at odds of 6/1 with Betway.
Top Brazil vs Costa Rica Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Brazil to win and over 2.5 goals being scored during the 90 minutes in Saint Petersburg, a market which is available at a best price of 4/5 with bookmaker 888Sport.