2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Review Day 9

In Friday’s action from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, it looked like Brazil was headed to a second consecutive draw in group play, as they went into extra time in the second half still scoreless with Costa Rica. Then, Philippe Coutinho scored in the first extra minute and Neymar took advantage of Costa Rican desperation six minutes later to seal a 2-0 win. In the other Group E game, Switzerland edged Serbia, 2-1, to stay even with Brazil atop the group, as each side now has four points. Serbia has three points, and Costa Rica has none. In Group D, Iceland failed to take advantage of the momentum of their draw with Argentina and fell in ugly fashion to Nigeria, 2-0. In Group D play. Now Croatia leads Group D with six points, Nigeria is in second with three points, and Iceland and Argentina are at the bottom of the table with one point apiece. As you plan your World Cup betting for next week’s final round of group play, check out our recaps of each match.

2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Review Day 9

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Group E: Brazil 2, Costa Rica 0

Costa Rica’s hopes of moving to the round of 16 officially came to an end in those extra minutes on Friday. This was a game that featured heavy Brazilian pressure and possession, as Brazil possessed for approximately two-thirds of the game. Celso Borges had a nifty chance on a counterattack for Los Ticos, but he could not convert. After halftime, the Brazilian pressure increased, but Costa Rica held firm (with the exception of a shot from Gabriel Jesus that whacked the crossbar). The Brazilian substitutions added speed to the field, so it was just a matter of time until they found the back of the net — but they almost waited a little too long. Now, Brazil will face a Serbia side that will be desperate to advance and has the offensive talent to break through the Brazilian defense, while Costa Rica moves on to face Switzerland with nothing to play for except for pride, and all the Swiss will need is a draw to advance.

Group D: Nigeria 2, Iceland 0

A lot of sports betting enthusiasts (including yours truly) thought that a solid UEFA qualification run and a heady draw against Argentina would give Iceland the momentum heading into their match with Nigeria, but this was Ahmed Musa’s day, as he scored a brace (in the 49th and 75th minutes). His first goal was spectacular, as he nabbed Victor Moses’ cross with just one touch, using a second touch to send a half-volley into the net. It didn’t help that Gylfi Sigurdsson failed to convert a kick from the penalty spot late in the second half, and that Iceland didn’t take advantage of a first half in which Nigeria did not even have one shot on goal. Now, Iceland needs to beat a Croatia team that already has six points in order to have a chance at qualification, while Nigeria could punch their own ticket if they can take down Argentina.

Group E: Switzerland 2, Serbia 1

Serbia and Switzerland looked like they were headed to a tough 1-1 draw, but then in the 90th minute came Xherdan Shaqiri, who put in the late winner for Switzerland. Serbia had opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Aleksandar Mitrovic sent a header home off a Dusan Tadic cross. Switzerland made things level just after halftime, as Granit Xhaka grabbed a rebound from a Shaqiri blast and sent it into the Serbian net in the 52nd minute. Shaqiri almost made it 2-1 when he sent a ball off the post. Shaqiri broke behind the defense in the last minute and got the ball by the charging Serbian goalkeeper. Switzerland would advance with a win over Costa Rica in their last match, while Serbia must get the win over Brazil if they plan to advance.