SOCCER PREDICTION SCOTLAND VS COSTA RICA
Unqualified for the World Cup in Russia, Scotland begins a new cycle. Costa Rica will want to be included to better prepare the 2018 World Cup. No benefit in terms of motivation
State of form
Absent from the last 4 editions of the World Cup, Scotland has been going through a delicate period for many years and has not yet managed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia this summer. Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths’s partners finished third in Group E in the Europe Zone, behind England and Slovakia. At the last rally, Scotland was defeated at home by the Netherlands (0-1).
After a superb quarter-final played in Brazil in 2014, Costa Rica has validated its ticket for a 2nd World Cup rank. Driven by one of the most beautiful generations in its history, the American team won second place in the CONCACAF qualifier, only ahead of Mexico. In November, Costa Rica lost to Spain (0-5) and Hungary (0-1).
The staff for SCOTLAND – COSTA RICA
For Scotland, many elements have been ruled out, either by choice or by injury. We think of goaltenders Gordon (Celtic) and Marshall (Hull), defenders Berra (Heart of Midlothian), Martin (Rangers) and Tierney (Celtic), Brown (Celtic), Fletcher (Stoke), McArthur (Crystal) Palace) and Morrison (West Bromwich) and forwards Fletcher (Sheffield Wednesday), Griffiths (Celtic) and Naismith (Heart of Midlothian). With a very young group, the coach should rely on the more experienced Hanley, Mulgrew, Robertson, Forrest, Titchie and Phillips.
On the Costa Rican side, it is important to mention the absences of the usual holders Mattarita, Umana, Bolanos, Azofeifa, Venegas and Joel Campbell (formerly Arsenal). On the other hand, the Navas (Real Madrid), Gonzalez (Bologna), Gamboa (Celtic), Oviedo (Sunderland), Duarte (Espanyol), Celso Borges (A Coruña), Bryan Ruiz (Sporting) and Urena (Los Angeles Galaxy) are available. Urena finished top scorer in Costa Rica in the playoffs with 3 goals.
Prediction: SCOTLAND vs COSTA RICA
Putting two amputated selections of several major players together, this match could lead to a draw. Draw
Prediction Today: the 2 teams score
Odds: 1.87