World Cup Odds: Italy is a big favorite to defeat Costa Rica on Friday in Group D action. Costa Rica shocked Uruguay 3-1 in their first match while Italy got past England 2-1. The winner of this match between Italy and Costa Rica will take over first place in Group D and be in great shape to get out of the group. The loser will face pressure in their last match to get to the round of 16. Here is a look at the match between Costa Rica and Italy that can be seen on ESPN.
Italy -210, Costa Rica +550, Draw +350, total 2.5 under
The goal line has Italy laying one goal at even money.
Costa Rica Shocker
Not many people gave Costa Rica much of a chance in the World Cup but they shocked Uruguay 3-1 in the opener. There were some people who wondered if Costa Rica would even score a goal in the World Cup. Now the team is a win away from a likely spot in the round of 16. It helped Costa Rica’s cause that Uruguay was without Luis Suarez but Costa Rica did score three goals. Joel Campbell was the star for Costa Rica as he scored once and was dangerous throughout the match in the midfield.
Italy Looking for First
The Italians got a huge goal from Mario Balotelli to defeat England 2-1. Now the team is in great position to take first overall in Group D. Italy was able to win without top goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Getting a win against England was huge for Italy without Buffon and now if they defeat Costa Rica they are looking at first overall in the group.
World Cup Picks
The price on this match is lower than it would have been had Costa Rica lost their opener. Costa Rica played really well in the first match against Uruguay but repeating that type of performance will be really difficult against an Italian team looking to take control of the group. I will lay the 2-1 in World Cup odds and take Italy to win this match on Friday.
