Costa Rica v Greece World Cup 2014, 29th June Betting Preview
This is just about the most unlikely round of sixteen match up that anyone could have predicted. Both were outsiders in their respective groups to make it through to the knockout stage. But here they are and just about anything could happen here and it is Costa Rica who are running as favourites.
Costa Rica v Greece Betting Tips
Costa Rica went unbeaten in Group D, beating Italy and Uruguay while playing out a dire 0-0 draw against England. That was enough for them to top the group and they get a great reward for doing so in having to play Greece. This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides. This is just the second time in their history that Costa Rica have made it through to the knockout stage of the competition. They lost 4-1 on that occasion against Czechoslovakia in the last sixteen back in 1990.
Most surprising of all perhaps is that Costa Rica have only conceded the one goal so far at the World Cup, and that was from the penalty spot. This was a very average looking side heading into the tournament. They have surrendered possession in each of their games so far though, but may turn that on its head against Greece. None of Costa Rica’s four goals which they have scored so far have been before the 44th minute of the game, and its not unreasonable to expect a draw at half time which is trading at 4/5.
Wouldn’t expect a lot of goals to come in this one either, so look under 2.5 goals. There isn’t going to be a whole lot of quality out there. Greece nailed a 2-1 in over the Ivory Coast to make it out of Group C against the odds. This is the first time that they have been in the knockouts. Their seven wins at major tournaments have never been by more than a one goal margin, so you could tip Greece to win by 1 goal for a price of 7/2. Greece have now only managed to score in two of their nine World Cup games played, both 2-1 victories of Nigeria And the Ivory Coast. Those four goals have all come after the 42nd minute of matches.
You can sum up their goal scoring woes by the fact that Georgios Samaras, with his goal against the Ivory Coast, was his first in 1478 minutes of action. The spot kick has been his only shot on target in the tournament so far too. He is a 4/1 shot in the anytime goalscorer market. Greece have only managed the one clean sheet in their nine previous World Cup matches but perhaps won’t come under too much pressure in this one..
Costa Rica v Greece Betting Odds
Costa Rica 6/4, Draw 2/1, Greece 2/1
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Costa Rica v Greece Predictions
Well, there will be an underdog in the quarter finals to face either Holland or Mexico. Who will make it through out of these two? Costa Rica have produced more than what Greece have at the tournament so far and just have more up top in Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz. Would back Costa rica to make it through.
