Costa Rica might have two points to show for its first two matches in its history in the World Cup, but it is going to need to pull off a bit of a miracle just to get into the knockout round of this tournament.
The task in the third match day of Group E will see Las Ticas go up against Brazil.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Brazil is one of the favorites to win the Women's World Cup for a reason. It has flexed its muscle throughout this tournament to date to snare all six points, and it has already ensured that it will win Group E.
That's why the Brazilians are easy favorites in this match of the -300 variety. They're laying a goal and a half on the Asian Handicap against a team which badly needs at least one point to get into the next stage of this competition.
The total is somewhat high at 2.5 (over -125), but that's only due to the nature of the actual Asian Handicap itself.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We made adjustments and got what we wanted, which was to maintain possession of the ball. We dominated the second half and were able to respond – the girls' achievement was wonderful for our country… At the end of the day, aside from the technical side of things and the tactical changes that we made, the players gave their all, and it was that fundamental aspect that got us the result." – Costa Rica manager Amelia Valverde following an emotional 2-2 draw against the Korea Republic to move into second place in Group E
RECENT FORM
Costa Rica has two score draws here in its first two matches in its history. Las Ticas were definitively good enough to get into the Women's World Cup in CONCACAF, though it was never as good as the United States. Now, Costa Rica is set to soar on the big stage. We know that it won't finish worse than tied for third in the group, but without three points in this match, others will determine whether it gets into the last 16 or not.
Brazil has outscored its two foes 3-0 here in Group E, and though it has shown a little bit of vulnerability throughout, particularly in the midfield when Marta isn't on the ball, we know that has made this match completely elementary.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The one thing that we know about Costa Rica is that it is going to go for broke. Karla Villalobos came off of the bench and scored the equalizer against the Korea Republic, and she was one of the many who got in front of the Asians' net on the night.
Yes, we're really afraid of Brazil's speed, even with some of its reserves playing on this night, especially in counterattacking situations, but we feel like this fixture is a point waiting to happen for Las Ticas.
It would be a thrilling result if it was to happen, but if the Costa Ricans have been able to snare a point from each of their first two matches by scoring three goals in the two duels, this could be another night where one moment of brilliance is enough to at least get to three and keep that dream of playing in the last 16 in Canada alive.
Costa Rica 1, Brazil 1
BookMaker has live Women's World Cup odds for every clash of the season. You can find a moneyline price on Brazil of -300 and a total of 2.5 (over -125) right now! BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer game now!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The fixture between Brazil and Costa Rica will take place at 7:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at Moncton Stadium in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
