Costa Rica vs. Serbia Prediction
Costa Rica was one of the biggest surprises at the 2014 World Cup when it advanced to the quarterfinals before being eliminated. Four years later, will Costa Rica begin its tournament run in positive fashion with a group stage win over Serbia?
Game Snapshot
97824 Serbia vs. 97825 Costa Rica
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Cosmos Samara Stadium at 8AM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, Serbia is a -115 favorite to win on the moneyline. Costa Rica is a +385 underdog, while a bet on a draw is +225. The over-under is set at 2 goals.
Navas looks to star again
When Costa Rica stunned the soccer world four years ago when it advanced to the quarterfinals before being eliminated by the Netherlands, goaltender Keylor Navas starred and made a big name for himself. He now plays for Real Madrid and was in net for the Champions League final victory over Liverpool, the third straight year Real Madrid has claimed the title. He will undoubtedly be a major factor in how far Costa Rica advances this time. Costa Rica is ranked 23rd in the world and this is its fifth World Cup appearance.
Mitrovic coming off hat trick
Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic notched a hat trick for Serbia in its last friendly leading into the World Cup, a 5-1 triumph over Bolivia. It was the first time in 17 years that a Serbia national team player had recorded a three-goal game. Serbia is ranked 34th in the world and has a roster with previous World Cup experience plus players who play for elite club teams.
Prediction:
I feel like Costa Rica might be underrated still with this plus moneyline after what it did in the World Cup four years ago. Serbia is a strong club, but it’s a little strange to see Costa Rica such a big underdog considering who it has in goal and the confidence it will have entering the tournament. While the world rankings don’t necessarily matter, the fact that Costa Rica is ranked 11 spots higher shouldn’t be completely ignored.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: COSTA RICA +385