Sunday 29/06/2014, 22:00, World Cup Last 16, Costa Rica vs Greece

Costa Rica vs Greece Betting Preview

This is by far the best World Cup for Costa Rica, a team that defied the odds and won a group featuring Uruguay, England and Italy. They seem capable of winning all three games, but they lack the motivation to push for a straight win against England in the final match of the group, as they were already qualified from the first position. The same can't be said about Greece who needed a penalty scored in the last minute of overtime to outshine the Ivory Coast and escape the group stage for the first time in history.

Costa Rica vs Greece Betting Odds

At Bet365

Costa Rica 2.60, Draw 3.20, Greece 3.20

Costa Rica vs Greece Betting Tips

Costa Rica has very few famous players competing for European clubs and that's why they were credited with the last chance in Group D. Sticking to a defensive minded strategy that brought them to the World Cup in the first place was expected of them, but manager Pinto decided to come out firing on all cylinders

It looked like a risky strategy against Uruguay who has three formidable strikers, but it worked like a charm as Costa Rica scored three times. The fact that they came from behind and won a game led by the main favorite says a great deal about their resilience and the maturity of an otherwise young squad.

A second victory against Italy and a scoreless draw in the match against England proved beyond reasonable doubt that Costa Rica's success at the World Cup is not a fluke. At least in theory they should have an easier mission against Greece, because the European nation has an aging squad and a couple of key players injured.

The goalkeeper is uncertain for tonight and top scorer Mitroglou could miss from the starting formation once again after being kept on the bench against the Ivory Coast. The Greeks know exactly what needs to be done and they will defend once again with all lines, counting on one of their veterans to score from outside the box.

Key Facts

• Costa Rica allowed a single goal at the World Cup, one scored from the penalty by Cavani
• Kone and Karnezis will miss the match due to injuries, while four more players are doubtful

Costa Rica vs Greece Betting Odds Prediction

Once again bookmakers are very generous when it comes to pricing Costa Rica, but this time punters have no excuse not take advantage. The South Americans proved their worth on multiple occasions, while the Greeks clawed their way out of the group stage and can consider themselves lucky to be among the last 16. 2.65 for Costa Rica to win in regulation time is phenomenal value, but those who insist on playing it safe can bet on the favorites to qualify at 1.80.

Bet: Costa Rica @ 2.60 with Bet365