The CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers have just started, but Costa Rica and Jamaica are already in a must-win situation. Both lost their first home game Sunday and now sit in seventh and eighth place.
Costa Rica hasn’t scored in two games, while Jamaica have allowed five. It seems that it’s the perfect match to turn things around, but only one will be able to do it. Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and soccer lines for Costa Rica vs Jamaica. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider!
Game: Costa Rica vs Jamaica
Location: Estadio Nacional, San Jose, Costa Rica
Time: Wednesday, Sept. 8, 9 p.m. ET
Television: beIN Sports
Live Stream: fuboTV
CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Over/Under |
| Costa Rica | -½ -125 | -125 | 2½ +115o |
| Jamaica | +½ -105 | +350 | 2½ -145u |
| Draw | +250 |
Head to Head
- Previous Matches: 29
- Costa Rica Victories: 14 (54 goals)
- Jamaica Victories: 4 (18 goals)
- Draws: 11
The last time they met, Costa Rica defeated Jamaica 1-0 to take the 2021 Gold Cup Group C crown. Bryan Ruiz scored the winning goal. The Reggae Boyz couldn’t take advantage of playing with one more player for the last 18 minutes.
Regarding the World Cup Qualifiers, they last met in 2016 on the road to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Costa Rica won 3-0 with goals from Celso Borges, Bryan Ruiz, and Johan Venegas. The three of them are still playing for La Sele.
Jamaica beat Costa Rica for the last time in 2010.
Why bet on Costa Rica?
The ancient formula to win a World Cup ticket is to draw on the road and win at home. Costa Rica started the road to Qatar doing the first part, but Mexico prevented them from achieving the second one.
Los Ticos lost 1-0 to El Tri last Sunday. That result left them in seventh place with only one point and -1 in the goal differential. Only Costa Rica and El Salvador haven’t scored a single goal.
Head coach Luis Fernando Suarez understands they must improve on offense. Luckily for him, all strikers will be available for this game. The list includes Joel Campbell, Jonathan Moya, Jurgens Montenegro, and Manfred Ugalde.
Defensively, Costa Rica has nothing to worry about, especially when they play 4-5-1. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas has been sensational. He was the Man of the Match against Panama and prevented Mexico from scoring more goals. El Tri’s goal was from the penalty spot.
Despite the rocky start, Costa Rica deserves to be the sports betting favorite here. Yes, they lost to Mexico, but they showed some improvement. Costa Rica looks and plays differently with Bryan Ruiz leading the midfield.
Also, they’ve no other option than to go all-in right from the start. They can’t afford to lose another home game.
No major injuries to report here but expect several changes. Their expected lineup is Keylor Navas; Ronald Matarrita, Francisco Calvo, Oscar Duarte, Keysher Fuller; Celso Borges, Bryan Ruiz, Joel Campbell, Randall Leal; Jonathan Moya, Manfred Ugalde.
Why Bet on Jamaica?
The Reggae Boyz have everything against them, including the scores and odds. Jamaica is the only team that hasn’t won a single point. They started the WCQ losing 2-1 to Mexico and most recently lost 3-0 to Panama.
“We are disappointed with the result but not with the performance. There is always room for more, but the guys showed lots of character,” said defender Damion Lowe after their first game. He’s not wrong, but they’re going to need a lot more than character to qualify.
They’re in last place and losing to Costa Rica would practically mean saying goodbye to the 2022 World Cup. That’s why they also must go all-in right from the start. They can no longer settle for a draw.
Jamaica’s biggest advantage is their players’ physique and speed. The Estadio Nacional is the perfect scenario to play on the counterattack, and they’ve plenty of weapons to do so. The list includes Javon East, who plays for Santos de Guapiles in the Costa Rican first division.
Damion Lowe remains questionable due to injury. Their expected lineup is Andre Blake; Alvas Powell, Ethan Pinnock, Liam Moore, Kemar Lawrence; Junior Flemmings, Cory Burke, Daniel Johnson, Kemar Roofe; Michail Antonio, Javon East.
Final Analysis and Predictions
Some time ago I would have recommended you include Costa Rica in your soccer picks without hesitation. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still going to recommend you that, but not without hesitation. Playing at home, Los Ticos must win, but they’re going to suffer. Jamaica will put up a fight. With Campbell, Moya, and Ugalde ready to go, Costa Rica’s offensive unit should improve enough to start scoring.
Don’t forget to check the props for this and other games to increase your winning chances. Our score prediction favoring Costa Rica is offering a +800 price, while both to score is +110, take it.
