Brazil vs Costa Rica - Match Preview
21 Jun 2018 Tampines -Tanjong Pagar INTERNATIONAL: World Cup, Group E
INTERNATIONAL: World Cup, Group E
Brazil
- W
- W
- W
- W
- D
vs
Costa Rica
- L
- W
- L
- L
- L
Kick-off
12:00 GMT
22 June 2018
The 2018 FIFA World Cup has gripped the attention of football fans around the globe and it’s been a special tournament so far. After each of the teams in Group E has played once, Friday brings the second fixtures, one of which sees Brazil face Costa Rica.
STATS
- Brazil started their first game strongly after going 1-0 up but it didn’t end how they would’ve liked as Switzerland scored a second-half equaliser to draw 1-1. This means they need to beat Costa Rica to ensure their knockout stage fate is in their own hands. Serbia’s win against Brazil’s opponents put them top of the group and Brazil will look to knock them off.
- Costa Rica failed to get off to a positive start after being the surprise package in Rio five years ago. They were beaten 1-0 by Serbia courtesy of Aleksander Kolarov’s stunning free-kick and the minnows may count themselves as unlucky to come away without any points, a loss against Brazil could knock them out of the World Cup.
- While it was Phillipe Coutinho who bagged the exceptional winner against Switzerland, Neymar will be looking to open his tournament account on Friday.
- Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell will both be looking to provide the quality for Costa Rica on the wings, it may take something special to give them the advantage.
HEAD TO HEAD
In six meetings on the international stage, Costa Rica have never beaten Brazil. Two of those have come at previous World Cups, in 1990 and 2002 where 1-0 and 5-2 victories came for the Brazilians. The most recent fixture between these nations was back in 2015 where the five-time World Cup winners won 1-0. That has been the scoreline in three of the six meetings with over 4.5 goals in the other three.
BRAZIL NEWS
There was major injury worries surrounding Neymar this week as he limped out of a training session earlier in the week but it has been confirmed that he is fit. There are no expected changes to Tite’s side.
Latest matches: Brazil
| 17.06.2018 | Worl |
Brazil | Switzerland | 1:1 | D |
| 10.06.2018 | Inte |
Austria | Brazil | 0:3 | W |
| 03.06.2018 | Inte |
Croatia | Brazil | 0:2 | W |
| 03.06.2018 | Inte |
Brazil | Croatia | 2:0 | W |
| 27.03.2018 | Inte |
Germany | Brazil | 0:1 | W |
COSTA RICA NEWS
There are no injury updates in the Costa Rica camp but they are expected to put out a more defensive side to combat the attacking talents of Brazil.
Latest matches: Costa Rica
| 17.06.2018 | Worl |
Costa Rica | Serbia | 0:1 | L |
| 11.06.2018 | Inte |
Belgium | Costa Rica | 4:1 | L |
| 07.06.2018 | Inte |
England | Costa Rica | 2:0 | L |
| 03.06.2018 | Inte |
Costa Rica | Northern Ireland | 3:0 | W |
| 27.03.2018 | Inte |
Tunisia | Costa Rica | 1:0 | L |
SUMMARY
This game should be a comfortable win for Brazil but as we’ve seen in Russia so far, it’s been a tournament of shocks. Costa Rica shouldn’t have enough quality to stop Brazil in this Group E clash but if they defend resolutely then they could catch the World Cup giants out on the break.
22 June 2018 - 12:00 GMT
INTERNATIONAL: World Cup, Group EAbout the author - Tampines -Tanjong Pagar
- Tampines: Tampines Football Club, also known as Tampines Rovers, is a professional soccer team based in Singapore. They compete in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and have a rich history in Singaporean football. Here are some key points to consider about Tampines:
Strengths:
- Experienced Squad: Tampines Rovers have a good mix of experienced players who bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team.
- Strong Attack: The team boasts several talented attacking players who are capable of creating scoring opportunities and finding the back of the net.
- Consistent Performers: Tampines Rovers have been consistently competitive in the SPL, often finishing near the top of the league table.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: At times, Tampines Rovers have shown vulnerabilities in their defense, which can lead to conceding goals.
- Inconsistency: While they have had successful campaigns in the past, there have been instances where they struggled to maintain a consistent performance level.
- Tanjong Pagar: Tanjong Pagar United Football Club is another Singaporean soccer team that participates in the Singapore Premier League. After a hiatus, they made a return to the league in recent years. Here's an assessment of Tanjong Pagar:
Strengths:
- Resurgence: After their return to the SPL, Tanjong Pagar has shown resilience and determination to re-establish themselves as a competitive team.
- Young Talent: The team has invested in young players, giving them opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
- Fighting Spirit: Tanjong Pagar has displayed a never-give-up attitude, often putting up spirited performances even against stronger opponents.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Squad Depth: Tanjong Pagar may face challenges due to a relatively smaller squad and fewer resources compared to some other teams in the league.
- Defensive Fragility: The team has struggled with defensive solidity at times, leading to conceding goals more frequently.
Overall, Tampines Rovers have a stronger track record and a more established presence in the Singapore Premier League. They possess experienced players and have a history of competitive performances. On the other hand, Tanjong Pagar is a team that has been rebuilding and showing signs of progress. While they may face challenges, they have displayed resilience and a commitment to improvement.
It's important to note that soccer teams' performance can vary over time, so it's always a good idea to keep up with the latest news and updates on their progress.
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