Group E – Costa Rica vs Serbia

Underway today with the 13:00 kick of between Costa Rica and Serbia is group E. With games against Brazil and Switzerland still to play in Group E, both sides will be looking to take an early advantage in the group.

Both sides have a solid starting XI but lack some strength in depth. This could prove costly down the line.

Team News 

In starting today’s game, Branislav Ivanovic is set to overtake former Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic in becoming Serbia’s most capped player with 104 international appearances.

Keylor Navas is Expected to start in goal for Costa Rica. the champions league winner is in great form for both club and country.

It’s reported that Serbia are likely to start with a loan striker. Aleksandar Mitrovic is scoring for fun and could be the key to a group E escape.

Costa Rica v Serbia Team Talk

Oscar Ramirez Costa Rica head coach: “The first match in the World Cup is always crucial.

“When the game starts we will see how to handle Serbia. They will put a lot of pressure on in the first 20 minutes and we need to deal with this with balance and calm nerves.

“Intensity will be key. If we score first or they score first, that is key. I am concerned about this aspect.”

Aleksandar Kolarov Serbia captain: “If we play to our potential and are honest among ourselves, then we can do something.

“I will tell the younger players to stay calm and enjoy their football because this is a huge opportunity for the 23 of us to represent our country.

Lazy Prediction

I predict this to be a fantastic game of tactics, Manger vs Manager. Neither will want to give up anything in the first 20 and the game may start fairly scrappy for this reason.

As the game goes on it should open up. The quality of both defences could outweigh the attacking potential.

Serbia have some great experience throughout the side and I feel this could be the difference.

Serbia to win 1-0 

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