The Citizen (Gauteng)

Khaya’s picks

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England put the finishing touches to their World Cup preparatio­ns when they face Costa Rica today.

The Three Lions are on a high after beating Nigeria 2-1 at Wembley in the first of their two warm-up friendlies ahead of their trip to Russia.

Costa Rica harbour some bad memories for a select few in this England squad.

Four years ago they were held to a goalless draw against Costa Rica, a game that helped the visitors overcome the odds and qualify for the knockout stages.

They topped the group ahead of Uruguay, Italy, and England, with the Three Lions crashing out at the group stages for the first time since 1958 and finishing with just a single point to their name.

Costa Rica strolled past Northern Ireland, winning 3-0 in their last encounter. However, their overall form isn’t that promising as they head to Russia.

They have won just two of their last eight matches and have lost four of their last six. I think England will be too strong for them today. Pool name: S6 V3 P1 M1: England v Costa Rica. Previewed above Tip: England win = 1 M2: Portugal v Algeria. Portugal win Tip: Portugal win = 1 M3: Iceland v Ghana. Iceland to beat Ghana Tip: Iceland win = 1 M4: Uruguay v Uzbekistan. Uruguay too strong. Tip: Uruguay win = 1 M5: Club Sport Rosario v FBC Melgar. Away win for Melgar Tip: Melgar win = 3 M6: Croatia v Senegal. Croatia to win this one

Tip: Croatia win = 1 Bet on this pool and TAB’s other football pools – go to

phakaaathi.co.za and click on the Soccer6/Jonty’s picks link to open a betting account with TAB. We’ll make it easy for you to start cashing in on your football knowledge.

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