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Who would have thought that after the first round of games, Costa Rica would be leading Group D? Yet that’s exactly what is happening after they defeated Uruguay. Can they continue to upset the odds, with a win over Italy? Victory against the Italians would almost guarantee them qualification, and that match takes place on June 20th, 2014. The day prior, the other Group D encounter will take place, with Uruguay versus England.
Costa Rica go into this one, on the back of that big 3-1 win over Uruguay. While Costa Rica deserved the win – it was a game where Uruguay gave it away. They wasted possession, and they seemed to have no idea how to protect their lead. Costa Rica played with a lot of belief, and they’ll come in with a lot of confidence.
Unfortunately, they’re going up against Italy who looked very, very good against England. England did get a lot more shots againt the Italians as they went into desperation mode, but that was to be expected with the players they had and the fast breaks.
I’m all for upsets – and I’d love nothing more than Costa Rica to continue their crazy run – but I just can’t see it here.
Costa Rica vs Italy Betting Odds:
Italy To Win: 11/20
Draw: 16/5
Costa Rica To Win: 6/1
Over 2.5 Goals: 1/1
Under 2.5 Goals: 4/5
The best odds for Italy vs Costa Rica
Italy vs Costa Rica Betting Tips:
Very interesting betting odds.
Obviously, Italy are the favourites. But the bookies clearly aren’t counting out Costa Rica.
That’s something we need to take advantage of.
Italy are better than Costa Rica – miles better. Costa Rica did great against Uruguay but the Italians are not a team that will waste possession. They sit back quite deep, and do a great job of dominating the possession. They won’t be making the same mistakes as Uruguay.
Italy also have such a strong attack – so strong that Immobile started on the bench. That pretty much just sums it up in terms of how strong they are.
I just can’t give Costa Rica the confidence that the bookies are giving them, and neither can our system. It likes Italy to do the business by at least 2 goals and possibly 3, with a clean sheet likely as well.
Over 2.5 goals is a possibility at those odds – and if you like Costa Rica to get a goal then it’s a bargain.
Italy however at their price – nah, let’s go to the betting props for that one.
Italy vs Costa Rica Betting Props:
If we’re wrong, we’re wrong but I think if you’re backing Italy you have to back them to win by a decent margin.
Italy-Italy for half time/full time is tempting at 5/4 odds, as is Italy to win both halves at 3/1. A very nice price there.
We will go a bit safer however with the handicap of Italy -1.
You can bet Italy -1 and as mentioned above – if you still fancy Costa Rica, go with Over 2.5 goals there.
