Prepare for the United States to face its toughest opponent yet in the CONCACAF Gold Cup as an undefeated Costa Rican side will look to move past the men’s national team in tonight’s quarterfinal.
Unlike the U.S.’ previous matches against lesser known nations in Haiti, Saudi Arabia, and the 5-0 confidence booster it received in its first match against Trinidad & Tobago, Costa Rica poses a much stiffer challenge, spearheaded by Manfred Ugalde, who leads the team with three goals in the tournament. Additionally, Costa Rica has one of the best goalkeepers in the world in former Real Madrid netminder Keylor Navas, who enters Sunday’s match with 11 saves in the group stage.
However, the U.S. have seemingly found their way with each passing game, led by Malik Tillman, who also has three goals in the tournament. Also, forward Patrick Agyemang has been a welcomed presence, scoring the game winner against Haiti and showing that he can be effective as a forward who can go at defenders or be the big body to that doubles as a hold-up presence.
Scouting Costa Rica
In addition to Ugalde, the Costa Ricans have seen a boost in play from forward Josimar Alcócer, who comes in with back-to-back game winning goals, none bigger than the one that sparked a 2-1 win over the Dominican Republic. He was also a threat in Costa Rica’s scoreless draw with Mexico, that saw both nations go through out of Group A.
Look for Los Ticos to push the envelope to the Americans backline. Ultimately, this should be a close game but will decide on whether or not the U.S. defense is up to the task, starting with goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who’s been getting the minutes over usual U.S. goalkeeping incumbent, Matt Turner.
Historically, the U.S. has had the upper hand over Los Ticos, with 20 wins in 44 meetings. Costa Rica will be out for its first win over the Americans since a victory during FIFA World Cup qualifying for Qatar in 2022.
Best bets
There are a ton of fun odds presented by Fanduel in this game, but this is the first one where we don’t suggest their four-leg parlay which features a U.S. moneyline. We just don’t see it the same way.
However, take the yes on both teams to put a goal away, the halftime result to be in favor of a draw, and Diego Luna to have an assist on the U.S. goal, he’s good for two of those in this tournament and the playmaking machine is good for another.
Prediction
This game could go anyway. What fans hope is that it’s not reminiscent of the U.S. display against Panama during the CONCACAF Nations League, which saw the Americans bow out following a 1-0 in front of a packed crowd at SoFi Stadium — and in front of France legend Thierry Henry.
While it would be catastrophic, this looks like the game that could see the Americans bow out of the tournament on a close final. At +500, it’s hard to not back a 2-1 win in favor of Los Ticos.
Here’s hoping we’re wrong, but this year the U.S. men’s national team has been anything but a sure thing.
