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An intriguing international friendly takes place on Sunday at the neutral Estadio do Restelo as Cape Verde face Serbia in a match serving as preparation for the African nation ahead of the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup starting in June.
The Blue Sharks are aiming to build positive momentum before making their historic debut appearance on the global stage next month.
Meanwhile, the Eagles enter this fixture with strong motivation as they attempt to develop cohesion after failing to secure qualification for the upcoming World Cup.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Cape Verde vs. Serbia key stats
- Five of Serbia’s last six international friendlies have produced three or more goals.
- Cape Verde are without a regulation-time victory in each of their last four outings.
- Serbia have won three of their last five matches (L2).
- Serbia have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last seven games.
Cape Verde vs. Serbia preview: World Cup build-up continues for the Blue Sharks
| Cape Verde | vs | Serbia |
|---|---|---|
| 69th | FIFA Ranking | 39th |
| Ryan Mendes (96) | Most Caps | Andrija Zivkovic (61) |
| Ryan Mendes (22) | Most Goals | Strahinja Pavlovic (5) |
| 768 | Total Caps | 191 |
| 68 | Total Goals | 8 |
| 1 | Uncapped Players | 9 |
Bubbling with national pride after marking 50 years of independence, the African nation reached a historic milestone by securing a first-ever place at the finals.
Bubista led the team to the top of their qualifying group with seven victories, two draws and just one defeat, beating Cameroon to the automatic qualification spot in the group.
However, the Blue Sharks have experienced a noticeable dip in recent months, recording only one win since their competitive qualifying cycle ended, although that came in their most recent outing via a penalty shootout victory over Finland in the FIFA Series in March.
This fixture represents the final opportunity to address defensive weaknesses before a challenging Group H campaign featuring Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
Serbia, on the other hand, will be notable absentees from the expanded 48-team tournament next month after finishing third in their UEFA qualifying section.
Following that disappointment, the national association appointed Veljko Paunovic as head coach to lead the team forward.
The newly appointed manager has experienced a mixed start to his international tenure, recording two wins and two defeats in his opening four matches.
Paunovic’s squad secured a morale-boosting 2-1 victory against Saudi Arabia in their most recent friendly in March.
Cape Verde vs. Serbia form guide & betting tips
| Cape Verde | vs | Serbia |
|---|---|---|
WLLLW |
Form | WLWLW |
| 7 | Goals For | 7 |
| 6 | Goals Against | 8 |
DLLLW |
International friendlies | WLWLW |
Whispers predicts: Cape Verde 1-2 Serbia
Despite Serbia’s recent inconsistency, bookmakers have installed them as narrow favourites at 2.25, reflecting stronger individual quality and a ranking advantage, with the European side placed 39th and the Blue Sharks slightly lower, making a Serbia win a reasonable selection.
The price of 1.95 for over 2.5 goals holds strong appeal given Serbia’s defensive vulnerabilities over the past year.
Both teams to score is priced at 1.80 and appears the most balanced option for a multi-bet selection given the attacking trends of both sides.
A 2-1 correct score in favour of Serbia at 9.50 offers value as an outsider pick, aligning with the Eagles's tendency for tight victories.
> BTTS – Yes at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 goals at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Possible
> Match result – Serbia win at 5/4 (2.25) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score – Cape Verde 1-2 Serbia at 17/2 (9.50) | Likelihood: Outsider