The World Cup continues today when Costa Rica takes on Greece in the knockout stage. The match is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the World Cup Odds for the match have the Costa Rica favored to win this one.
The Costa Rica club has been a solid group during the World Cup group stages. Greece somehow found a way to get into the knockout stage despite playing with just 10 players against Japan in a match they played to a scoreless draw.
Greece finished with four points in the group stage, keeping the Ivory Coast from qualifying despite being ranked just outside the Top 20 in the FIFA world rankings. Greece is ranked higher than the Ivory Coast and much higher than Japan, so it's no surprise they were able to move onto the knockout stages, but it was surprising considering they were on the outside looking in after just one match, losing to Colombia 3-0 in their opening group stage match.
Costa Rica reached the knockout stage after just their second match with a 1-0 win over Italy, which didn't qualify at all despite being one of the best clubs in the world. Costa Rica stepped up and they're in the knockout round.
Panagiotis Kone will not play in the match because of an injury. Kostas Katsouranis is expected to be back in the lineup after being suspended for the team's match against the Ivory Coast.
Greece and Costa Rica have never met in the World Cup prior to this contest. Costa Rica is in the knockout stage for just the second time in their four tournament appearances. Greece believes their difference of style could be what helps them get a victory in this match.
Joel Campbell has been impressive on the pitch. He's had a solid World Cup to this point in the tournament and is very good in the open field and in one on one situations. If he is able to break free in tonight's match and find the mark, it could be exactly what Costa Rica needs to reach the quarterfinals.
Costa Rica has given up just a single goal all tournament, which came on a penalty kick. If Greece can't find a way to break through and score a goal they could be in a serious problem. Costa Rica is just too good defensively and we like Campbell to prove to make a difference.
Free Pick: Costa Rica 2, Greece 1
World Cup Soccer Picks: Costa Rica vs Greece
What soccer bettors need to know Costa Rica vs Greece on Sunday (6/29/14) -- a free pick from Pregame.com's Ken Thomson with added insight from Marco D'Angelo.
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