World Cup
2013-06-18 - Costa Rica vs Panama
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: Under 21 European Championship 2013
Tuesday 18 June 2013 - Kick Off 3am
Preview
The CONCACAF section of the qualifiers has been dominated by the likes of Mexico and the United States in recent years, while Costa Rica have also made it through to the World Cup in 3 of the last 6 attempts. Costa Rica will look to take advantage of the fact that the United States face Honduras by winning this game and increasing their own chances of making it to Brazil next year.
At the start of this round of matches, Costa Rica are second in a group of six and are occupying one of the three automatic qualifying berths for Brazil. With a win, Costa Rica are likely to open up a 4 point lead over Honduras in fourth place if the United States win that game against them as expected.
It will be a tough evening for the hosts against a Panama team that are looking to make history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their nation's history. They are currently fifth in the six team table, but Panama would move into the top three if they win this game and Honduras fail to beat the United States.
Panama have picked up 1 point from a possible 6 from two away games at Jamaica and the United States, but it is their failure to win 2 of their 3 home games that has left them with work to do in the Group.
Now they have to snap Costa Rica's run of decent form where they are unbeaten in their last 3 qualifiers since a 1-0 loss to the United States. Costa Rica have won 2 of those games, both at home, and have earned a credible draw in Mexico which means they have kept clean sheets in three straight games.
With Panama failing to score in their last 2 qualifiers, it will be a tough test for them to break the Costa Rica resolve. Panama will also be aware of Costa Rica's heart as the latter came back from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 away draw earlier in the qualifiers.
Costa Rica have also won 4 of their last 5 home games against Panama.
Prediction
The CONCACAF section is very much one where you need to win your home games and perhaps sneak a point or two away from home to book a place in the top three. Costa Rica have been strong defensively and I think they can use that to build a platform for their third consecutive home win in this round.
The Pick :
Costa Rica 1-0 Panama
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Costa Rica Win to Nil @ 2.40 (Ladbrokes)
