ARGENTINA are on their way out after a 3-0 defeat to Croatia and that will be music to the ears of Brazilian fans.
Brazil missed the samba beat in their opener v Switzerland but should be in tune against Costa Rica. Other games on Friday are Serbia v Switzerland and Iceland v Nigeria and here are my verdicts.
Brazil v Costa Rica (1pm)
The World Cup favourites started well against Switzerland with Coutinho's cracker but didn't make much of an impression after being pegged back.
However, they should take care of Central American opponents who rarely threatened Serbia in an opening 1-0 defeat.
Brazil have won nine out of nine on the h2h and are a best 2-9 at McBookie to make it 10. Consider Brazil minus one at 4-6 with McBookie – it was 5-0 last time the nations met in the World Cup in 2002.
Neymar is a doubt and while that's a concern he played poorly in the opener and there are other attackers who can hurt defences – Coutinho, Willian, Robert Firmino and Gabriel Jesus.
It could be Jesus who saves Brazil and he is evens with Paddy Power to score and 3-1 at William Hill to net first.
Best Bet
- Jesus to score
Serbia v Switzerland (7pm)
Serbia are looking good to qualify and could be happy to draw with the Swiss at 2-1 with bet365.
It looks a tight one to call and 0-0 half-time at 5-4 with McBookie and under 2.5 goals at 1-2 with Ladbrokes are bets to consider.
Best Bet
- Half-time 0-0
Nigeria v Iceland (4pm)
Tonight's other game sees Iceland take on Nigeria as they aim to reach the KO stages in their first finals.
The Icelanders showed their mettle at Euro 2016 and continued to shock when drawing 1-1 with Argentina in their Russia opener. Four points should do the trick especially with Argie's goal difference showing minus three.
Nigeria were fairly ordinary in their 2-0 defeat to Croatia and face being kicked out.
Iceland are capable of winning this and are a best 17-10 at William Hill.
It's a decent price and allows you to take less risk with Iceland draw no bet at 9-10 with McBookie.
Alfred Finnbogason netted against Argentina and is 5-2 at bet365 to strike again.
Best Bet
- Iceland dnb
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Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
