Costa Rica (0-2-0 / W-L-D) faces Zambia (0-2-0) Monday as Group C play comes to an end. Kickoff from Waikato Stadium is at 3 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Costa Rica vs. Zambia odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
Costa Rica and Zambia came into this World Cup with little chance to advance and after 2 games everyone knows why. Neither team has scored a goal in the tournament and have yet to score a point. Monday will be the their last chance to go home on a high note.
Zambia lost both their matches by a whopping 5 goals, which is not surprising since Spain and Japan are serious competition for a Zambia team making their debut in the World Cup and ranked 77th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.
Zambia started this tournament reeling after their goalkeeper Hazel Nali got injured days before the World Cup began, and in the waning minutes of their opening loss to Japan their backup goalie received a red card disqualifying her from playing against Spain. But still the Zambia defense allowed 22 shots, 13 of which were on goal, a tough ask for any goalie.
Costa Rica, 36th in the FIFA rankings, bounced back from a poor performance against Spain, where they took 1 shot (not on goal) and controlled the ball just 20% of the time. And Costa Rica failed to press Japan, despite improving their possession amount to 43% they took just 6 shots, 2 on goal, and failed to take a single corner kick.
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Costa Rica vs. Zambia odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 4:21 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Costa Rica +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Zambia +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Draw +250 (bet $100 to win $250)
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +125 | U: -175)
Costa Rica vs. Zambia picks and predictions
Prediction
Costa Rica 0, Zambia 0
Moneyline (ML)
Zambia’s goalkeeping has been a serious weakness for them, whether it’s their backup or the 3rd stringer. The African country allows the 2nd-worst shot-to-goal ratio in the World Cup (.20).
But for Costa Rica to seize any advantage they need to take shots on target and that has been their weak spot. They have a total of 2 shots on goal in 2 matches. And if you take all of their shots (including those off target) they average just 3.5 per game.
Zambia has been more aggressive when it comes to shots this tournament, although their 10 attempts are in the bottom half of this World Cup. But their accuracy is a problem, just 20% of their shots are on target, which is the 2nd-worst.
Looking at these teams its tough to see how anyone can score. Zambia’s goalie will be a liability but Costa Rica will need to apply pressure, which I don’t see happening in any consistent manner.
LEAN DRAW +250.
Over/Under (O/U)
The offenses for Zambia and Costa Rica come into Monday’s match quite rusty. They are both averaging 1 shot on goal per 90 minutes. And those shots aren’t taken close to the goal. Both teams are in the bottom 3rd of distance per shot (Zambia at 21.2 yards away and Costa Rica at 21.9 yards away).
These teams will need a lucky break to get one in the net and both teams’ defense has gotten plenty of experience these past couple games.
BET ALTERNATIVE UNDER 1.5 (+175) and if you do believe a scoreless tie is possible consider UNDER .5 (+550).
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
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