Day 9. Brazil - Costa Rica. Nigeria - Iceland. Serbia - Switzerland.

Pasamela!

Day 9.

Game 24, 25, and 26.

Brazil - Costa Rica

22nd June 13:00

Pre tournament favourites Brazil will be hoping for an improved performance this time out against bottom of the group Costa Rica. The group is set up perfectly going into round two, with Brazil needing a win to establish themselves as tournament hopefuls, and Costa Rica desperate to put some pressure on Serbia and Switzerland.

Another Coutinho wonder goal?

Last Time:

Brazil 1-1 Switzerland
Costa Rica 0-1 Serbia

Brazil weren't at their best last time out against an organised Switzerland side. All attacking options fell short for the South Americans as they looked off the pace in their opening match. A first half trademark wonder strike from Barcelona man Coutinho got Brazil going but they faltered second half and conceded from a simple set piece. They will be hoping that star man Neymar can provide the goods this time around after being kicked off the pitch against Switzerland.

Urena to perfom again

Costa Rica carried their poor pre tournament form into their first match against Serbia. The central Americans were not outplayed, but did look second best and conceded after a fantastic Kolarov free kick. Forward Marcos Urena looked lively but was subbed after just 66 minutes, for an also impressive Joel Campbell. They both may need to start vs Brazil if they are to get off the mark this tournament.

Pre Match Predictions:
Brazil will surely have far too much for Costa Rica. One would expect the Brazilians to put on a show against Costa Rica, especially as they are in desperate need of a win. Costa Rica looked solid at the back last time out but will be put under constant pressure from arguably the best forward line in the competition. Neymar will want to get off the mark in what will be his best chance to do so, along with Gabriel Jesus and Willian.

Best Bet: Brazil to WIN BOTH halves - 11/8 (bet365)

Nigeria - Iceland

22nd June 16:00

Hero Halldorsson

After a triumphant draw versus Argentina, Iceland will be looking to continue their good form against bottom of the group Nigeria. On paper the Nigeria looks solid, however, they have failed to show any signs of progressing in this tournament after a poor pre tournament and a dismal showing against Croatia. Iceland know a win could put them all but into the next round after Argentina's loss to Croatia, and Nigeria will be desperate not to lose, as they will crash out after juts two games.

Last Time:

Nigeria 0-2 Croatia

Iceland 1-1 Argentina

Iceland were brilliant last time out against the giants of Argentina, earning a 1-1 draw after an impressive defensive and goal keeping performance. Leo Messi's penalty was saved by Hannes Thor Halldorsson, and the Iceland keeper will be hoping for yet another good day at the office against Nigeria. They also created chances last time out, and are showing the world that they are not just the defensive powerhouse that they were at the Euros two years ago.

Iheanacho Nigeria's biggest threat

Nigeria didn't put on the best display against Croatia. This may not be too important after seeing Croatia's performance last night, however, they will have to improve. It was only an own goal from Etebo and a Modric penalty that put Nigeria to the sword last time which will give them confidence that they get go one better and achieve a clean sheet today.  

Pre Match Predictions:

With Nigeria needing to win and Iceland happy with a point, we could see a Nigerian onslaught today. Whether they have enough in front of goal is a different story however, as Kelechi Iheanacho must start after the poor attacking display last time out. The game will all depend on whether Nigeria can get an early goal and force Iceland to attack. However, one would expect another Iceland performance and them to nick a 1-0 win.

Best Bet: Iceland to WIN - 7/4 (SkyBet)

Serbia - Switzerland

22nd June 19:00

Time for a Mitrovic goal?

Switzerland and Serbia head into this game with one thing in mind, 3 points. After a solid start Serbia sit top of the pile in group E and can be pleased with their start. Switzerland will also be full of confidence after pulling off a bit of a shock when they came away with a point against tournament favourites Brazil. A draw suits Serbia more here but Switzerland will feel all three is required of they are to go through to the last 16. Last time:

Serbia 1-0 Costa Rica
Switzerland 1-1 Brazil

Serbia came through their first group stage game with a 1-0 victory against Costa Rica in a tight match of few chances. Kolarov’s world class free kick eventually being the difference between the two sides. On form Mitrovic looked most likely to score and could well have doubled the Serbians lead after doing well to fashion a chance for himself. Serbia will take confidence from that win and will know a draw will leave them in a great spot but I’m sure they’ll have their eyes firmly set on three points and with it likely progression to the later stages. Switzerland fought hard and took a well earned point from Brazil. Their tactics some what questionable at times as they seemed hellbent on seeing Neymar leave the pitch with an injury. They’ll have to be at the races again if they are to beat a resilient Serbian side and having deployed Shaqiri, Zubar and Dzemaili just behind the lone front man in and effective manner against the Brazilians expect to see them try to break quickly at any opportunity.

Shaqiri needs to perform

Pre Match Predictions: With Switzerland requiring 3 points slightly more in this game expect to see them take the game to Serbia and attempt to come away with three points in an attacking manner. Serbia will be the happier of the two with the point and may therefore focus more on shutting the Swiss out but with one eye on their game against Brazil to come Serbia may well try to wrap up progression to the last 16 in this game. You’d expect a tight match with both teams desperate not to lose an early goal could change this game and we may well see a real battle between these two sides. Best Bet: Both Teams to Score - 6/5 (PaddyPower)



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