FIFA World Cup Group E - Brazil vs Costa Rica 

The spots in the Round of 16 are starting to take shape, with Russia, Uruaguay, France and Croatia all placing their names in the hat, with their primary objectives of lifting a World Cup trophy next month.

Friday presents us with another crop of investment opportunities, with Groups D and E taking to the pitch in search of positive points, as they attempt to climb their World Cup tables. 

The FIFA draw has failed to disappoint up to this point, and with the remaining set of matches still to be played, we are certain to be entertained in this more than memorable International event.  

62010 Brazil vs 62011 Costa Rica 

Krestovsky Stadium, St. Peterbsurg, Russia 

6-22-2018 - 8:00 am ET 

The opening match on the docket provides us with a classic Central and South American show-down. Brazil enter the match-day looking to rebound from a rugged start against Switzerland, while Costa Rica attempt to regain their magical form from 2014, and collect some much needed positive points. 

Brazil travel to St. Petersburg highly motivated to turn their World Cup experience around, after the Swiss national team punished them physically during their 1-1 draw the last time out, the World Cup favorites were left with only a share of the points, and a second place spot in Group E. 

The 'Seleção' must now prepare themselves for another physical altercation, after Switzerland drew up the blue-print on how to slow this explosive side down.

Tite is now responsible for making the necessary adjustments as the Brazilians move forward in the competition, with an array of world class talent at his disposal, he should be able to find a effective tactical solution.

The Brazilian head-man also encountered a minor scare this week, when super-star forward Neymar limped off the practice pitch with a slight ankle injury, the PSG danger man has since been cleared to play, claiming his spot in the starting eleven going into Friday's fixture against the Ticos. The Seleção will still be without newly signed Manchester United man 'Fred', who is also nursing an injury he sustained before the start of play in Russia.

The 'Canarinha's' will lean on Neymar once again to lead this Brazilian side after being neutralized by Switzerland, his pure class and creativity on the ball makes this team a different kind of animal, although the South Americans are filled with stars playing at the top clubs in Europe, the most expensive footballer in the world is required for the overall good of the team.

Neymar will need more help from his fellow front-line players against the Costa Ricans, Gabriel Jesus and Willian are set to get the starts again in Brazil's 4-3-3 formation, with so much attention being paid to their fellow trigger man, there should be plenty of space open to get quality looks on goal.

Philippe Coutinho was arguably the man of the match against the Swiss. The Barcelona midfielder consistently created multiple opportunities for his fellow team-mates with his slick dribbling and on-point passing skills, while also netting the Brazilians only goal with a spectacular strike in the top right hand corner of the net. 

Couthino is partnered with fellow midfielders Casemiro and Paulinho who handle more of the defensive responsibilities, although this partnership are highly effective at turning defense into offense and using through balls as a true weapon, look for this La Liga duo to get the 'Little Canaries" out and running in the blink of a eye.

Marcelo will settle into his usual left-back role, the Real Madrid defender is the true leader on the pitch after Dani Alves was injured a month before the start of the tournament, the veteran national team member will be leaned upon for his on-field experience, and providing another creative force on the offensive side of the pitch.  

The Brazilian defense is anchored by Roma keeper Alisson. The Seleção number one is a true force between the sticks, with a high level of concentration and super reflexes, he is a walking clean-sheet who continues to grow and prove his overall worth on the team.

Costa Rica are coming off a hard fought 1-0 loss to Serbia, the CONCACAF representatives now must re-group and hope to grab a positive result against these perennial international powers.

Óscar Ramírez has yet to get off to the glorious start the 'Ticos' experienced in Brazil four years ago. The former national team member now finds himself in a desperate position to grab positive points, in hopes of salvaging his countries World Cup dreams.

Ramírez is expected to keep most of his starting eleven in tact, with Marco Ureña still in favor to lead the Ticos 3-4-2-1 formation. Ureña is most effective in counter attacking situations, the MLS youngster will look to get out on the break and cause havoc to the Brazilian back-line, while also using his skillful array of passes and dribbling techniques to further involve his fellow front-line players. 

Bryan Ruiz still handles the on-field general responsibilities, the attacking midfielder controls much of the offensive flow within the Costa Rican attack. Ruiz brings a all around game to the pitch, preferring to use crosses as his main plan of attack, the Sporting Lisbon member also incorporates a highly effective hold up game, while using his aerial skills to become a true threat while in the box. 

Christian Bolaños could be one of the few moves Óscar Ramírez chooses to make on Friday, the veteran midfielder brought a spark off the bench against Serbia on Sunday, now with the National Teams hopes on the line,  Bolaños could provide another weapon for the Central American side to lean on.

The true star of the Costa Rica national team plays between the sticks, with Keylor Navas perfecting his craft while with three time Champions League winners Real Madrid. The Ticos keeper always gives his team a chance on the defensive side of the pitch, with incredible shot blocking abilities, he is sure to make Brazil work to put the ball in the back of the net.

Brazil vs Costa Rica Prediction:

Brazil should enter this match highly motivated to get their first win while in Russia, after allowing Switzerland to snatch a second half equalizer, the pressure to get all three points is at a all time high for this powerful Seleção side. 

Costa Rica also understand that they will be encountering a humbled Brazilian team, who should be out to prove a point to the rest of the world regarding their overall dominance within the International field. 

The Ticos will certainly be under pressure from the opening whistle, as they must defend as a complete unit, looking to absorb as much pressure as possible, and springing out on the counter attack which has been their recipe for success.

The Central American side have had little success against Brazil, losing their last five matches against the CONMEBOL representatives, making this challenge even more difficult in their pursuit of World Cup survival. 

Brazil vs Costa Rica - Premium Match Tip

*Premium Match Tips - 5-0-1