For Costa Rica the 2018 World Cup has been a setback. Perhaps it was inevitable but it still hurts. In 2014 the Los Ticos were the darlings of the tournament with their greatest run ever. They won their group and finished eighth overall making the quarterfinal. However, since then Jorge Luis Pinto departed as coach. Perhaps he was sensing that was as good as Costa Rica could be. New coach Oscar Ramirez has tried to keep things the same. But Costa Rica is no longer a bargain Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup value. Los Ticos are winless in two games.
2018 FIFA World Cup Costa Rica vs. Switzerland
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 27, 2018 2 p.m. ET
Location: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | +½ (+114) | 2 (-132) |  |
| Switzerland | -½(-129) | 2 (+117) | |
| |||
Costa Rica vs. Switzerland TV Coverage: FS1
Costa Rica So Far
Costa Rica lost their opener to Serbia 0-1. It was a scrappy match decided on a free kick by Aleksandar Kolarov. Costa Rica threatened early but was unable to finish. Most of the match was tight with few scoring opportunities. In their second game Los Ticos were dominated by Brazil 2-0. They were substantial bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup dogs. Philippe Coutinho and Neymar scored the goals in stoppage time. Los Ticos did not force Brazil to make a save. Conversely, they were forced to make seven saves against the loaded Brazilian machine.
Costa Rica is overmatched
Costa Rica has proven to be overmatched at Russia. They lack the skill and depth for a serious run. Inability to generate offense was a concern going in. Los Ticos have validated those worries.
Switzerland so Far
Switzerland has been a quiet sportsbook online value. They served notice in their opening game against Brazil. The Swiss tied the World Cup chalks 1-1. For most of the game Switzerland focused on defense. Brazil forced La Nati to make three saves. Meanwhile Switzerland was not able to generate much offense. The Selecao only had to make one save. But earning a draw against arguably the best team in the tournament impressed all.
Goal Scoring a top Concern
In their second game the Swiss got by Serbia 2-1. They required a goal by Xherdan Shaqiri at the 90 minute mark to win. The victory was emblematic of how La Nati gets by on grit. They’re not as talented as the top tier teams. But they play exceptionally well as a unit. Goal scoring was a problem throughout qualification. And remains a top concern for Switzerland’s prospects going forward.
Xherdan Shaqiri
It was believed that Xherdan Shaqiri would be the key to Switzerland’s bid. His Premier League team was relegated. While not his fault many worried about his mental state. And with a strong World Cup Shaqiri can more easily escape to another pro team. It’s a motivational advantage. At the age of 26 he is the most creative force on the team.
Matchup to Watch
Switzerland is not a Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup powerhouse. But they are solid and efficient. Not to mention resourceful. Costa Rica has flopped because they cannot finish. Switzerland has just a bit more in this matchup. Their midfield is the difference maker.
Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup Odds Picks
Switzerland should clinch a berth in the knockout stage with a win here.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Switzerland
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: Switzerland 1, Costa Rica 0
Catch highlights of Switzerland’s win over Serbia!