This Gold Cup match sees Costa Rica play Canada in Houston with victory for either side pretty much guaranteeing a place in the next round.
Despite the fact that they only qualified in fourth place from the Central American zone, many are tipping Costa Rica to win this tournament – especially given the fact that the giants of USA and Mexico have brought weak squads to the tournament with them. Costa Rica got their campaign off to a good start on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Honduras – arguably the second-strongest team in the group behind Costa Rica. This victory extended Costa Rica’s unbeaten run to four matches in all competitions.
Defensively solidity has been The Ticos’ main strength over the last few years, stretching back to their surprisingly good run at World Cup 2014 in which they kept clean sheets against the likes of England and Italy. Furthermore, Costa Rica have kept seven clean sheets in their last 12 outings in all competitions and, although Real Madrid stopper Keylor Navas is missing for this tournament, you would still back Oscar Ramirez’s side to be very steady at the back on Wednesday.
Costa Rica have never won the Gold Cup, however, they have been very good in international tournaments over the last few years whilst they also have a good record against the world’s smaller sides which should help them against Canada.
Although Costa Rica are a decent side, Canada should not be written off. The Canadians currently top Group A after winning their opener 4-2. Having said that, it did come against minnows French Guiana. The real test starts now.
Whilst Costa Rica matches tend not to contain many goals, we see the exact opposite when Canada play with the net bulging at both ends of the pitch. In their last four outings, including friendlies, Canada have scored 11 times, however, they have also failed to keep a clean sheet and will be alarmed at conceding twice against French Guiana. I am not so sure that Costa Rica will be so easily punishable in Houston as French Guiana were in New Jersey.
Canada last won the Gold Cup 17 years ago and nobody expects Octavio Zambrano’s side to make any waves in this year’s competition. However, if they pull off a shock result against Costa Rica, many will sit up and take note.
I think Costa Rica’s defensive resilience should be enough to see them through against Canada whilst I’m not sure the latter’s dodgy backline is good enough to cope with The Ticos. Given the circumstances, 87/100 on a Costa Rica win is a very good price.