Costa Rica vs Northern Ireland
International Friendlies
Date: Sunday, 3rd June 2018
Kick-Off at 18:00 UK / 19:00 CET
Venue: Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, San Jose.
We can say Northern Ireland benefited well from their first match on the American soil when they drew 0-0 to Panama on Tuesday evening. The head coach Michael O’Neill misses a number of first-team regulars the American tour as three debutants were in the starting line-up of the mentioned tie with Panama. Moving forward, four U21 internationals also got their minutes in the second half as the head coach obviously wants to get the most out of these friendlies ahead of the UEFA Nations League kick off in September.
Costa Rica, on the other side, look to snatch the win which would raise the spirits ahead of two super tough tests with the likes of England and Belgium. Oscar Ramirez’s squad had no troubles snatching the second place in the final round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifications and they will be looking to match the amazing run they had in the previous term when Los Ticos shockingly reached the quarter-final.
Costa Rica vs Northern Ireland: Head-to-head
The two sides did not have the chance to take on each other previously.
Costa Rica vs Northern Ireland: Predictions
Costa Rica were struggling badly for goals in recent friendlies. They bagged just one in last four international friendlies as none of last three of such ties brought more than a single goal scored at both ends.
They will be up against a defensive-minded Irish side who head into the game off the back of a goalless draw played days ago with another CONCACAF outfit. We thus have no other option but to go with the Under 2.5 goals FT as by far the best of the betting picks at the odds of 1.57.
The visitors were not dangerous at all in the final third against Panama which is why we will alternatively back Los Ticos to keep a clean sheet at 2.10.
Costa Rica vs Northern Ireland: Betting Tips
- Under 2.5 goals FT @ 1.57
- Costa Rica to keep a clean sheet @ 2.10.
