Friday 04/07/2014, 22:00, World Cup Quarterfinals, Netherlands vs Costa Rica
Netherlands vs Costa Rica Betting Preview
One of the most lopsided quarterfinals is the one between the Netherlands and Costa Rica, a match that everyone expected to end with the Europeans advancing to the next stage. The same happened in the previous round, when they competed against Mexico, only that time, the North Americans came very close to cause the upset. Costa Rica did a brilliant job during the group stage, but were less convincing in the first elimination round and will need to greatly elevate their game to have a fighting chance.
Netherlands vs Costa Rica Betting Odds
At Bet365
Netherlands 1.50, Draw 4.40, Costa Rica 8.00
Netherlands vs Costa Rica Betting Tips
The Netherlands will once again resort to a 4-3-3 starting formation, featuring Robben, van Persie and Lens upfront, because defending is not an option. Costa Rica was only dangerous against teams that took them lightly and looked rather toothless when playing against the Greeks.
The Dutch missed numerous scoring opportunities in the group stage but were far more clinical against Mexico and managed to reverse the result of the game in the last 5 minutes. Van Persie was replaced in the second half and it would come as no surprise if van Gaal will do the same in the quarterfinals. Huntelaar scored his first goal at the World Cup and played a major role in his team success, so he might be given another chance.
On the other hand, we have a team that exceeded all expectations in June, but looked rather tired against Greece and can consider himself lucky to make the quarterfinals. The fact that Duarte was eliminated early in the second half increased the pressure on the other players, who had to run extra miles, just to keep the team afloat.
Fatigue needs to be factored in but the main reason of concern has to do with the tremendous pressure weighing on these rather inexperienced players' shoulders. Once again they start as underdogs, but this time the expectations are higher, as Costa Rica is expected to deliver and even advance to the next stage.
Key Facts
- Despite winning every game so far, the Netherlands only played at full potential against Spain and if they can replicate that performance, they should be more than a match for Costa Rica.
- The two teams haven't met before at the World Cup and didn't even play friendly games, so this would be a complete surprise for both sides.
Netherlands vs Costa Rica Betting Odds Prediction
The odds for a straight victory are too low and knowing how type were all previous encounters, punters should stay away from the handicap market. Another narrow margin victory can't be ruled out, but betting on at least three goals to be scored doesn't contradict this possibility.
Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.00 with Bet365
