Are World Cup Favorites Brazil Ready to Shine Against Costa Rica?

Brazil vs. Costa Rica, 8 a.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

• Brazil -420
• Costa Rica +1550
• Draw +540

Bet To Watch: 

Brazil -1.5 (-118)

Brazil were one of the most popular bets in the opening group games (83% of tickets) but could manage only a 1-1 result against Switzerland. The draw cashed at +343 odds, and it was the third-largest payout during the group stage so far.

The South Americans will be incredibly dangerous as the tournament progresses, but they aren't the best defensively, and they suffered a lapse on a corner kick which led to the Swiss' tying goal. Neymar also took a beating in that match and is dealing with some ankle/lower leg issues. He had to leave training earlier this week, but he's in the starting lineup vs. Costa Rica; he just might not be 100%.

Bettors and oddsmakers do seem to be a little concerned about Brazil, as their odds to win have moved from -516 to -420 over the last couple days. The public has still backed them with more than 70% of moneyline bets and 72% of spread bets, but favorites haven't exactly looked intimidating this tournament.

Costa Rica played a disappointing opening match, losing 1-0 to Serbia, but all is not lost for the Central Americans. There's very little pressure on them to get a result against World Cup favorites Brazil, and they probably don't mind being counted out at this point. They're massive +1550 underdogs to win and +540 to draw.

With all that said, Costa Rica couldn't muster much against Serbia after the opening few minutes and they won't have as much possession against Brazil. If they go down 1-0 at any point they'll have to be aggressive, which Brazil will look to capitalize on. The 2-0 exact scoreline is the most likely at +350 odds, and that's another option in addition to Brazil -1.5.