After a disappointing draw with Switzerland in their opening game, the Samba boys will prepare for their second match. The Caribbeans lost 1-0 to Serbia in the first round and are desperate to steal a point in their last chance of survival. Here is your Brazil v Costa Rica preview.
Brazil v Costa Rica Preview
Disappointing Start
Brazil definitely hoped for a better start. Despite numerous attempts on goal, the five-time world champions were only able to score from long range.
The South Americans controlled possession early on but had trouble breaking through Swiss lines.
As many big sides have witnessed, the less qualified teams are putting in an extra shift to secure points. Brazil, much like their South Americans rivals Argentina, failed to recognize this pattern. The intensity of the Swiss defence was outstanding, as they were able to isolate the Brazilians quite often.
That is the lesson they will take from this game into the next one. The clash against Costa Rica is decisive as Tite’s men are still aiming the first place in Group E.
Last Hope
Costa Rica failed to impress against Serbia. Bryan Ruiz, their star player, wasn’t able to hold the ball and create chances and a very nervous and poor performance from his teammates made his job even harder.
Serbia’s win was never in doubt as Kolarov broke the deadlock with a stunning free-kick.
From there on, Costa Rica never recovered and saw their biggest chance of clinching the knock-out stage go to waste.
The Game
Now both teams face each other with a lot of pressure on their shoulders. Brazil has to win to fight for the first place of the group. Costa Rica desperately needs to get at least one point if they want to keep their dream alive.
Once again the South Americans are favourites, even without Neymar, who left Brazil’s training session yesterday with a problem on his right ankle.
The Caribbeans will have to hold them back as much as possible and hope for the best.
Game Details
The match kicks off at 13:00 pm GMT at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg.
Predicted Line-Ups
Brazil: Alisson, Danilo, T. Silva, Miranda, Marcelo, Casemiro, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Coutinho, Neymar, Douglas Costa, G. Jesus
Costa Rica: Navas, Gamboa, Watson, Acosta, Calvo, Oviedo, Bolaños, Borges, Guzmán, Bryan Ruiz, Ureña
Prediction: 2-0
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