Uruguay sweating on Suarez for opener with Costa Rica

Uruguay have been boosted by the fact that Luis Suarez is back in training ahead of the team’s first Group D match against 17/2 shots for the game, Costa Rica. The Liverpool player is 11/4 to net the first goal, and is at 10/1 to hit a hat-trick, while Oscar Tabarez’ team is odds-on at 8/15 for the win.

It is the first time he has been involved in a session since his knee operation midway through May. The two teams have never met at a World Cup, though the South American side have a 75 percent record against Costa Rica in friendlies, having won six and drawn two, scoring 15 and conceding eight.

While Suarez is back in training, it is highly unlikely that Tabarez will risk him for the whole of their opener at least. Both Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani have been used to good effect, and looked lively in the World Cup warm-up friendly against Northern Ireland in the 1-0 win. Although Forlan was replaced at half time, he tested the goalkeeper and showed he has still got what it takes to impress at international level. The striker struck five times at the last World Cup in South Africa, and is 9/2 to open the scoring against Costa Rica.

Cavani has hit 25 goals in 43 appearances for PSG this term, though has yet to light up the world stage. He is 7/2 to net first.

Having won the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid, defender Diego Godin will have a taste for success, and still be on a high. Under club boss Diego Simeone he has become one of the best centre backs in world football, and also has a knack for producing important goals. His equalising goal against Barcelona ensured Atleti won the league, and he has been reportedly linked with Chelsea recently. Coral are offering odds of 12/1 for him to find the net at anytime.

Costa Rica’s best chance may come via Joel Campbell, who has impressed this season while on loan at Olympiakos from Arsenal. The lively striker is 11/4 to beat Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera at anytime, and has an eye for goal, as well as pace to burn which may stretch the defence.

Bryan Ruiz, who plays for Fulham, though spent the second half of the season on loan at PSV Eindhoven also represents a threat, and is 5/1 to score at anytime.

The biggest answer most Uruguay fans will want to know, is whether Suarez starts though with Forlan and Cavani on the pitch, they are more than equipped up front to do the business.