The Stats Zone
June 22 2018, 10:25 · Trystan Pugh

2018 FIFA World Cup – Brazil vs Costa Rica Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Friday 22nd June, 13:00

Where? Krestovsky Stadium

What channel is it on? ITV1

Where can I stream the match? The match can be streamed online via ITV Player

Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/group-e-brazil-switzerland-costa-rica-serbia-tickets/ca5915

THE TEAM NEWS

BRAZIL

  • Brazil were frustrated by a well organised Swiss side who held them to a draw in the opening match so they need to raise their game here and get a victory to ensure they do not fall the same way as their South American rivals Argentina.
  • Neymar is an early doubt for this match after limping out of training on Tuesday with an ankle problem so Firmino is on standby to come in, but the likelihood is that they will throw him in and replace him early if they are leading.
  • Coach Tite will avoid making too many changes, but he may consider the likes of Fernandinho, Fred and Renato Augusto to come into midfield as that seemed to be the area he was least happy with against Switzerland.

Predicted line-up (4-3-3):

Alisson

Fagner, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Marcelo

Casemiro, Coutinho, Paulinho

Willian, Neymar, Gabriel Jesus

Unavailable: Danilo

Doubtful: Neymar

COSTA RICA

  • Costa Rica were undone by a magnificent Kolarov free kick for what was their seventh defeat in their last nine international matches and that loss will dent their confidence even further even if they will be motivated to spring an upset against the favourites for the tournament
  • Coach Oscar Ramirez may consider one or two rotations with veterans Oviedo, Bolanos and Campbell competing for a starting spot here but the reality is they do not have that much in terms of quality options to improve the side that much.
  • Tactically they will likely approach this in a 5-4-1 once again, but more defensive than they did against Serbia as they will likely see a draw as a good result to leave them having to win the last game.

Predicted line-up (5-4-1):

Navas

Gamboa, Acosta, Gonzalez, Duarte, Calvo

Ruiz, Guzman, Borges, Venegas

Urena

Unavailable: None

Doubtful: None

THE PREDICTION

Costa Rica are not in great form and they have struggled against top class opposition recently when they have faced them. Brazil will be highly motivated for this one in a match against a team with poor self-belief which may offer them a gentle route to get back on track with a comfortable victory. Brazil will want to kill this game off early and then bring off the likes of Neymar for precaution, and avoid any dramas.