2018 World Cup Betting Prediction: Switzerland vs. Costa Rica Odds

Switzerland followed up a stunning 1-1 draw with Brazil by beating Serbia 2-1 to seize top spot in the group. The Costa Ricans reached the quarterfinals four years ago but are still looking for their first goal in Russia.

World Cup 2018: Switzerland vs. Costa Rica Odds and Betting Analysis

World Cup Betting Odds: Switzerland -151

Date: Wednesday, June 27, 2 p.m. ET

Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

The Swiss are overwhelming favourites to knock off their Costa Rican counterparts, but you have to wonder if they’re inclined to play it safe knowing that even one mistake could cost them a chance at advancing. That said, Switzerland is the superior team, and in what is expected to be a tight, low-scoring affair, you can take the Swiss -0.75 on an Asian handicap for a slightly better price (-111) than what you would get for a straight-up victory.

Oddsmakers know that goals will likely be at a premium in this one, making the under-2.5-goal play -161 compared to the over at +126. The former play doesn’t offer much in the way of profit potential – but if you like the Swiss to prevail in a low-scoring game, you can take Switzerland and under 1.5 goals at +463, or the Switzerland/under-2.5-goal combo at +218. The draw and under 1.5 goals is +635, while the draw combined with the under on 2.5 goals is +248.

Switzerland

Just how balanced is the Swiss attack? Oddsmakers have installed five players – Josep Drmic, Haris Seferovic, Mario Gavranovic, Xherdan Shaqiri and Breel Embolo at between +134 and +168 to score against Costa Rica. If you’re looking for a dark horse, consider Granit Xhaka at +434; the Arsenal mainstay blasted a rocket from 25 yards out to provide Switzerland the equalizer in the 52nd minute against Serbia.

Costa Rica

It hasn’t been a great tournament for the Costa Ricans, who had hoped to build on their unlikely 2014 run but have managed just three shots on target through their first two games. The odds of Costa Rica turning in a third consecutive goalless effort are -127; they’re installed at +127 to score once against Switzerland, and at +511 to do the improbable and score twice. Marcos Urena carries the top odds of ending his country’s goalless stretch at +304.

Switzerland vs. Costa Rica Prediction

Costa Rica 0, Switzerland 0

As of Monday, there had not been a scoreless draw at the 2018 World Cup. This game represents the best chance of that trend coming to an end, with the Swiss needing only a draw to advance and Costa Rica lacking goal-scoring punch.