Game 9: Republic of Costa Rica v Republic of Serbia

Two teams who need to get off to a winning start if they are any hope of getting out of the group.

Costa Rica (The Ticos) are a very good side who managed to pull of some amazing results last world cup. This would have been this countries 5th world cup in a row had they not lost to Uruguay in the play-off in 2010.
Last world cup this team were the surprise packet, topping a group that contained England, Italy and Uruguay. Led by the then 21 year old, Arsenal striker Joel Campbell, Costa Rica played good attacking football and never let the bigger teams get comfortable on the ball. They did not technically lose any game at the last world cup, having been knocked out by Netherlands by penalty shootout in the quarter final.

Their form of late hasn't been great with warm-up losses to both Belgium and England, but this team can not be counted out. They will be hoping to have a repeat of last world cup where everyone thought they would leave the tournament on 0 points.

Serbia (The Eagles) are the lowest ranked European nation to qualify for the World Cup (not including the Hosts). This Serbian team is relatively new having only been formed in 2007 after Montenegro declared its Independence. Led by their captain, Manchester United's Nemanja Matic, Serbia are a tough opponent.

Similar to many other smaller European nations, Serbia base their results on good formation and work ethic; defending well and capitalising on their chances. They very much have the "russian" vibe about them, as a team they don't excel at anything in particular, but are solid and gritty and able to surprise teams with a bit of quality from the midfield.

Serbia's last 2 world cup appearances ended with them finishing bottom of their group and exiting early.

Both teams will be out to grab all the points on offer with Brazil and Switzerland in the group, they will see each other as the "easier" game. I think Costa Rica will have too much to prove. 1-0 Costa Rica.