Costa Rica vs Mexico
There is going to be a fun matchup to look forward to this weekend as Costa Rica host Mexico in the World Cup 2022 qualifiers.
This is already the third round of the revised version of the CONCACAF qualifiers as eight nations are left to vie for spots in the upcoming World Cup, which will take place in Qatar next year.
With only the top three countries assured of a berth for next year’s festivities and the fourth going to the wildcard, picking up points at this juncture is a must for these remaining contenders.
Mexico are fresh from a win against Jamaica last Friday and they lead the pack with three points while Costa Rica are at fourth with one. El Tri can increase their chances of securing their qualification if they’ll win this one on Sunday.
But Costa Rica, who have qualified for four of the last five World Cups, would not like to be left behind and they’ll fancy their chances here.
With the action heating up in the Americas, allow SBOTOP to dive deep into these two nations via this match preview.
Talking Points
Experience matters for Costa Rica
Team manager Luis Fernando Suarez will have his work cut out for him in trying to guide Costa Rica to another qualification in the World Cup.
The Colombian tactician already did it before for Ecuador in 2002 and 2006 and he has brought Honduras to the finals in 2014.
Upon his appointment last June, his reign got off to a great start as Los Ticos gathered three victories in the group stages of the CONCACAF Gold Cup over Guadeloupe, Suriname, and Jamaica.
But the honeymoon period came to an end when they tasted defeat at the hands of Canada in the quarter-finals and they were held to draws by El Salvador and Panama just recently.
Here in the qualifiers, Suarez has enough experience to lean on to in their upcoming matches.
After not playing in the Gold Cup, PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas is going to man the goalpost and he’ll play a crucial role on the defencive end. Moving out front, the young Manfred Ugalde — who is just 19 years old — will continue to lead the attacking line.
Veterans Celso Borges and Bryan Ruiz are going to be the fulcrum in the midfield and their activity is something that Costa Rica fans should monitor in this game.
Can Vega and Martin do it again for Mexico?
Mexico are missing a number of key players due to the COVID-19 restrictions imposed on their European-based stars, but they didn’t skip a beat at all in the last time out.
El Tri got into the win column as they defeated the Reggae Boyz thanks to goals from Alexis Vega and Henry Martin.
Tata Martino’s side controlled 73-per cent of possession but it took them a while to tally their first goal of the night.
In the 50th minute, Alexis Vega moved inside 18 yards and his low shot went past the hands of Andre Blake to gain the one-goal lead.
15 minutes later, Jamaica found the equaliser when Shamar Nicholson finished after a poor clearance by Mexico. However, Henry Martin’s goal at the 89th minute ensured the three points for El Tri.
Vega and Martin will need to create more World Cup 2022 highlights especially with Raul Jimenez and Hirving Lozano still out.
History
Mexico have had the better of Costa Rica in the international head-to-head meetings.
In their 36 competitive matches against each other, El Tri have 21 wins while Los Ticos won in four along with 11 draws.
Their most recent meeting happened last June when these two squared off in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals.
They could not be separated after extra time. However, Mexico outlasted Costa Rica in the penalties 5-4 when Guillermo Ochoa blocked Allan Cruz’s attempt to confirm the victory.
Betting Tip
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Costa Rica vs Mexico | Mexico Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 1.88 |
| September 06, 7:00 (GMT+8) |
The World Cup 2022 odds expect a tight affair between these two CONCACAF countries.
Mexico are installed as the favourites at 1.87, but Costa Rica are poised to give them a tough time since they’re at 3.95 and chances for a draw are at 3.20 in the 1X2 market.
Costa Rica can hurt Mexico since the hosts are depleted. However, in the end, the visitors still possess a higher quality group which should be enough for them to pull through.
Mexico should win this one, although it will be harder than expected. Furthermore, Costa Rica would be more than happy if they’ll hold them to a draw.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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