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Costa Rica Could Exploit An Undermanned Canada in Gold Cup

Costa Rica Draws Canada Without Top Goalscorer

Talk about a bad break for Canada, who loses two forwards in top goalscorers Cyle Larin and Ayo Akinola. This is a big blow to Canada, which now has to play Costa Rica which has been playing nearly flawlessly in the tournament.

As a result of the injuries, Canada (2-1-0) is a sizable underdog here per the online sportsbook. Costa Rica (3-0-0) has a good opportunity to take advantage and advance past the quarter-finals for only the second time in the last five tournaments.

Oniel Fisher and Ariel Lassiter fight for the ball during the Concacaf Gold Cup football match between Costa Rica and Jamaica
CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP
Team Handicap Moneyline Total Team Total
Costa Rica pk -125 +160 2 -130u 1½ +200o/-260u
Canada pk -105 +190 2 Evu ½  -230o/+180u
Draw +205

Team Previews

Costa Rica: The Gatekeeper To The Elite

This may not be a flattering designation to a nation that inspires to be a soccer power, but Costa Rica is the team that beats on the non-elite and loses to the elite. The team was one of only two nations to win all three of its group matches (the US is the other).

Costa Rica has only lost twice this year: once each against Mexico and the United States. But it also managed to beat Jamaica despite the odds. Goalkeeper Leonel Moreira was once again the hero despite getting himself kicked out at the 72nd minute for a red card.

In most cases, Costa Rica would lose that match. The Jamaicans are also more assertive than the Canadians. Coupled with strong goalkeeping and opportunistic scoring, Costa Rica should be able to eke one by.

Canada: Overcoming the Odds

You have to feel for Canada. This is a team that was peaking and was ready to make a deep run in the Gold Cup. But they quickly conceded a goal to the U.S. and couldn’t quite get enough to score on them despite arguably outplaying them for the game.

Canada had to overcome losing Akinola and Larin but still outshot the Americans 14 to 6, getting three on goal. But the defensive lapses within their own penalty box have continued to be the Achilles Heel of this offensively potent squad.

The Canucks are ranked third in the tournament in goals per shots on target and on the defensive side, tied for second in allowing shots on target per 90 minutes. Only Mexico has allowed fewer. Even without Akinola and Larin, Canada will have plenty of firepowers. But can they use it to compensate for their defensive shortcomings?

Pick: Back-and-Forth We Go

Costa Rica and Canada are two teams on similar boats: they’re just on the outside of being a CONCACAF power. But between the two, Canada has a higher ceiling but Costa Rica has played more consistently.

In this match, expect the two squads to make the most of their scoring opportunities. Costa Rica has scored six goals despite having just nine shots on target. It leads the tournament in both goals per shot and goals per shot on target.

Canada may not give up plenty of scoring opportunities, but when it does, it will likely concede a goal. It’s not just goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau’s fault. The Canucks still have miscommunications in their zone, which lead to can’t-miss chances for their opponents.

But Canada also has such a prolific attack that it will likely score right back. Still, it may not be enough as Costa Rica edges this.

Pick: Costa Rica pk -125

Bonus Pick: Lighting Up The Pitch

As the soccer odds today indicate, there will be plenty of scoring here. Both Canada and Costa Rica rank in the top-three in the tournament in goals per shot on target.

Only two of Canada’s nine matches this year have produced fewer than two goals while three of Costa Rica’s last four have had at least three goals.

Pick: Totals – Over 2 (-130)

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