WE expected goals at Brazil-Chile last night and got them – but not many are predicting a high scorer when surprise guys Costa Rica and Greece meet for a place in the last eight.
Greece have a reputation for defensive football but conceded three in their opener to Mexico before a 0-0 draw with Japan.
But when they needed goals in their final match with Ivory Coast they got them even if they had to wait until the 93rd minute for a penalty winner from Georgios Samaras.
Costa Rica stunned everyone by finishing top of Group D ahead of Uruguay, Italy and England but haven't quite the hit the heights since surprising the South Americans 3-1.
They edged a poor Italy 1-0 and having qualified were happy to see out a tame 0-0 draw with England. In fact they haven't scored from open play or netted after the break.
All in all it's a tough one to call and if I had to pick a winner I'd side with the Central Americans who have a lit bit more in attack with Arsenal's Joel Campbell providing the main threat.
He is 7-1 at Paddy Power and bet365 to break the deadlock while no scorer pays 6-1 at Coral.
Ex-Celtic star Samaras will have taken confidence from stroking the Greeks though under immense pressure. He is 17-2 at bet365 and BetVictor to score first.
Greece are likely to be without keeper Oresis Karnezis which will weaken their defence but it is likely to be extremely tight game and extra time and even penalties can't be ruled out.
The market expects a low scorer and under 2.5 goals is a best 4-9 at Ladbrokes and others. Under 1.5 is more riskier and returns 6-4 at Paddy Power.
Costa Rica are 6-4 with Betfred and others to win in 90 minutes with 23-10 at bet365 and the draw 85-40 at McBookie and BetVictor.
An early strike would be a surprise and William Hill go 19-20 the opener arrives after 31 minutes.
I'll be playing this one for low stakes and there's a chance of extra time and penalties. To win on spot-kicks you can have either side at 9-1 with William Hill.
Recommended Bets
Draw
(85-40, McBookie)
Under 1.5 goals
(6-4, Paddy Power)
Penalty shoot-out
(5-1, William Hill)
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I think Costa Rica could edge it. What’s been noticeable for me is the huge support the north and South American teams are getting which seems to be giving them the edge vs european teams. Greece’s only match against an Americas team was Columbia and they lost 3-0. Not saying that Costa Rica are anywhere near columbia’s level but I think their support will make the difference.
Also I have a large stake on Costa Rica completing my double after Columbia won so here’s hoping
Unlike the group games, Costa Rica will be the favs here. They will have to break down a team rather than waiting for a team to break them down. Do they have enough creativity to break a team that park 3 buses down?
Greece style of play is always the same regardless of the favs or underdogs role. That’s to defend, sit back and wait for chances. Alot of Greek players will know the style of Joel Campbell, that will give them an advantage as well. Greece always like being the underdogs, I like them to sneak a win here with a goal and park the bus tactic.
I no everyone is tipping under 2.5 goals but this world cup has seen alot of goals and surely over 2.5 goals @ 2/1 in the Costa Rica v Greece game is very good odds
Penalty shoot out now 5/1 with William Hill
Greece to qualify 11/10…I expect a tight game…0-0 or 1-0 to Greece…they always find a way
I like the sound of first goal after 30 mins but can’t find it on William Hill online? I assumed it would be in the ‘goal time’ markets but it only gives timeframes such as 31-45 mins etc…
Also after beating Uruguay and Italy I really can only see a Costa Rica win
seems everything i have touched in this world cup has won
have made a lot of money on o3.5 4.5 5.5 goals in this world cup and i think there will be more goals than people think in this game. I think both teams will think they have a good chance of ending this in 90 mins
o3.5 @ 5/1
o 4.5 @ 14/1
odds too big to ignore from how this tournament has been going.
0 1.5 fhg 10/3
o 2.5 fhg 14/1
very small stakes in this game though :)
GL
Daw, yeah I no everyone is tipping under 2.5 goals but this world cup has seen alot of goals and surely over 2.5 goals @ 2/1 in the Costa Rica v Greece game is very good odds.
Everyone betting on black, so go back at 2/1 over is value logically. Costa Rica popped 3 v Uaregay, early goal and on. Take a -1 Uragay if ahead and counter.
Costa Rica v Greece – Over/Under Total Goals
Over (2.5) @ 2.95
LINE: 2.5
Stake: 18.75 GBP (18.75 GBP × 1 Bet)
Estimated Returns: 55.31 GBP
Single(s) – Win Receipt No.: 7594844
Costa Rica (-2) @ 15.00
Handicap: -2
Stake: 5.00 GBP (5.00 GBP × 1 Bet)
Estimated Returns: 75.00 GBP
Single(s) – Win Receipt No.: 7594845
Costa Rica (-1) @ 5.50
Handicap: -1
Stake: 5.00 GBP (5.00 GBP × 1 Bet)
Estimated Returns: 27.50 GBP
think costa rica will edge it 1-0
Joel Campbell and Costa Rica 2-0, 45-1 with BetVictor
Also 1-0 same scorer 25-1.
Worth a fiver :)
Used a free bet from paddy power, both teams to have a player sent off @ 70/1….not that I condone violence but I hope to see a battle for the quarter finals!
A month ago you would have been all over Greece at 2/1 why change great value
£10 Penalty Awarded and Missed @14/1,,,& £10 Costa Rica-2 @16/1…Just for interest, good luck if your having a punt on this match !!!!!!
Over 4.5 lol.sorry smokeit
Looking good mr f
Another shocker from a referee …what’s going on with these match officials?
One red card, one to go, come on Greece, lose the plot.