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Costa Rica Braces for Mexico

Mexico Only CONCACAF Team to Win First Fixture for World Cup Qualifiers

The CONCACAF 2022 World Cup qualifiers began with several surprises, including Mexico struggling more than expected to beat Jamaica. El Tri was at home and won only by one goal – and late goal at that However, at the end of the day and regardless of how they did it, Mexico sits at the top of the standings.

For its part, Costa Rica achieved an important draw on the road against Panama. La Sele needs to improve a lot, especially on offense, if they want to have a chance against Mexico. Luckily for them, several key players will be back after missing the trip to Panama.

WCQ: Costa Rica vs Mexico
ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP

Let’s take a look at the latest news, stats, injury reports, and soccer betting lines for Costa Rica vs Mexico. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.

 

Game: Costa Rica vs Mexico

Location: Estadio Nacional, San Jose, Costa Rica

Time: Sunday, 7 p.m. ET

Television: beIN Sports

Live Stream: fuboTV

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers Betting Lines

Team Handicap Moneyline Over/Under Team Total
Costa Rica +½ -110 +350 2½ +105o ½ -190o/+155u
Mexico -½ -120 -120 2½ -135u 1½ -105o/-125u
Draw +245

Head to Head

  • Previous Matches: 56
  • Costa Rica Victories: 6 (34 goals)
  • Mexico Victories: 31 (88 goals)
  • Draws: 18

The last time they met, Mexico defeated Costa Rica 1-0 in a friendly match played in Austria. Mexico dominated the entire game, but Hirving Lozano scored with just one minute left on the clock.

Their last official meeting was in the first edition of the CONCACAF Nations League. The game ended with a goalless draw and Mexico won the penalty shootout 5-4.

Costa Rica defeated Mexico for the last time in 2013 on the road to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Bryan Ruiz and Alvaro Saborio scored for Los Ticos. Only Ruiz remains with the team.

Why Bet on Costa Rica?

Costa Rica managed to get a good result in Panama, but they barely attacked. They finished the game with no shots on target, which should worry manager Luis Fernando Suarez a lot.  In their defense, two of their best strikers were out, but zero shots on target?

Suarez is trying to find some new talents to replace a couple veteran players but he hasn’t been successful. Ruiz and Celso Borges still weigh a lot, but they aren’t as fast as they used to be.

Defensively, Costa Rica has nothing to worry about. Keylor Navas is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Also, Oscar Duarte and Francisco Calvo have developed great chemistry as the center-backs.

Los Ticos only lost one of their last five games, but they didn’t score in the last three. Joel Campbell and Jonathan Moya should be available to face Mexico. With both on the field, Costa Rica should increase the offensive volume considerably. If not, it’s going to be another long night for the defense.

Playing at home increases their value, fans will be welcome back into the stadium after more than a year. However, Costa Rica deserves to be the betting online underdog.

Costa Rica lost Yeltsin Tejeda, Barlon Sequeira and Alonso Martinez due to injury. Martinez will be missed, but Tejeda and Sequeira not so much. Their expected lineup is Keylor Navas; Ricardo Blanco, Oscar Duarte, Francisco Calvo, Bryan Oviedo; Celso Borges, David Guzman, Bryan Ruiz; Joel Campbell, Jonathan Moya, Manfred Ugalde.

Why Bet on Mexico?

Yes, Mexico suffered more than expected, but they still won. That’s what a powerhouse does, win no matter what, so I expect you included them in your midweek soccer picks.

El Tri defeated Jamaica 2-1 at Estadio Azteca. Alexis Vega and Henry Martin scored the goals. Martin’s goal was with only one minute left on the clock. Mexico controlled the game, but they need to be more efficient in front of goal.

Curiously enough, manager Gerardo Martino opted for a 4-5-1 formation. It’s curious because Mexico owns a roster talented enough to play more aggressively. Martino probably didn’t want any surprises in the first game, but he should consider a change from now on.

Mexico’s roster is so good that Orbelin Pineda, Andres Guardado and Carlos Rodriguez came off the bench. Also, Carlos Vela (injury) and Raul Jimenez (English Premier League decision) are out.

“If required to quarantine on return from red list countries, not only would players’ welfare and fitness be significantly impacted, but they would also be unavailable to prepare for and play in two Premier League match rounds, a UEFA club competition matchday and the third round of the EFL Cup,” said the EPL representatives to the press.

I expect several changes in their starting lineup. Martino likes to keep everyone involved as much as possible.

No injuries to report among the available players. Their expected lineup is Guillermo Ochoa; Jorge Ramos, Cesar Montes, Nestor Araujo, Jesus Gallardo; Edson Alvarez, Andres Guardado, Orbelin Pineda; Rogelio Funes Mori, Alexis Vega, Rodolfo Pizarro.

Final Analysis, Predictions

Mexico is the better team, no doubt about it, but Costa Rica is the one obliged to win. With Campbell and Moya back their chances increase, but Mexico remains the favorite. Martino practically has two very competitive teams in one and that will make the difference.

Both sides will score in a fast-paced match, causing the total to go over. All the pressure will be on Costa Rica’s shoulders and Mexico knows well how to take advantage of that.

Don’t forget to check the props our sportsbook is offering for this and other games to increase your winning chances. Our score prediction for Costa Rica vs Mexico is offering a +750 price, while both teams to score is even.

Score Prediction: Mexico 2, Costa Rica 1

Pick: Over 2½ goals (+105)

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