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Day 14. Group E - Final Round. SRB - BRA. SUI - CRC.

Pasamela!

Day 14.

Game 43 and 44.

Group E

 Serbia - Brazil
27th June 19:00

Pre tournament favourites Brazil go into their final game of group E knowing a point will be enough to see them through. Serbia will probably need to win, as a draw would only be enough if Costa Rica were to beat Switzerland by two goals.
Coutinho for 3 in 3?

Last Time:

Serbia 1-2 Switzerland
Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica

Serbia will be extremely disappointed with the manner of their defeat to Switzerland last time out. A draw would have been perfect for them, yet they allowed Switzerland to counter and win the game in the final minutes. Mitrovic looked dangerous again and put Serbia in front in the first half. Serbia did however look frail in defence, something that one would not have been expecting before the tournament.
Mitrovic to bully Brazil
Brazil scored twice late on last time out against Costa Rica. It was once again an unconvincing performance from Brazil, who were expected to out score their group E counterparts with ease. Barcelona man Coutinho had to come to the rescue for the second time in as many matches for the South Americans, as he continues to outshine Neymar at this World Cup.

Pre Match Predictions:
Brazil will have to be far better on the ball this time around against Serbia. Neymar has been fouled constantly throughout the World Cup so far, and should expect the same treatment against Serbia. This will be an extremely difficult game for Brazil. They have not looked anywhere near the team people thought they might be at this World Cup and could struggle again against an organised Serbian side. Serbia will go for it as well, and Mitrovic up front will cause problems for the Brazilian defence. The physicality of the Serbs may be what makes the difference today, and a draw looks the most likely outcome.

Best Bet: DRAW - 18/5 (betfair)


Switzerland - Costa Rica
27th June 19:00

Switzerland will go into their final game of group E knowing a win will be enough to secure their place in the last 16. However, in the back of their minds will be the chance to top the group, if Serbia can do them a favour in the other game. A match against Sweden or Mexico awaits, so Switzerland will fancy their chances of reaching the last 8. Costa Rica will be playing for pride as they are already out, and will use this match to show off their attacking capabilities.

Shaqiri to Score 23/10
Last Time:

Switzerland 2-1 Serbia
Costa Rica 0-2 Brazil

Switzerland started slowly last time out against Serbia and were pegged back at half time. With more possession but far less chances, it looked bleak for the Swiss to have a chance of qualifying. However, a brilliant second half performance, topped off with great solo goals from Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, secured Switzerland the win and will give them great confidence going into their match against already eliminated Costa Rica.
Xhaka to Score again?
Costa Rica were very unlucky to lose to the giants of Brazil last time. Although they only had a measly 31% of possession and no shots on target, they frustrated the Brazilians and could have stolen the game at the death. It was not to be however, and Brazil finally found a way through in the 90th minute, breaking Costa Rican hearts.

Pre Match Predictions:
One would expect a Swiss win in this one. They have looked extremely organised and well drilled in defence, and lively in attack with Shaqiri being the main outlet. Costa Rica will probably try and score goals as they are already out of the competition, so Switzerland will have to be wary of conceding. If Shaqiri can continue his great form, a Swiss win looks inevitable, along with a place in the last 16.

Best Bet: Shaqiri to Score - 23/10 (betfair)


@andy_hayden




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