Despite losing two of its last five games, Mexico remains one of the favorites to qualify for Qatar 2022. However, Los Aztecas are sitting in third place, only three points ahead of Panama in CONCACAF qualifying. Remember, the top three qualify directly while fourth place must face an Asian qualifier in a two-game series.
Speaking of fourth place, that’s the aim for Costa Rica, which trails Panama by two points. Los Ticos, sitting in fifth place and offering an +850 price in the sportsbook, can’t afford to lose. Otherwise, the gap could increase up to five points.
Mexico vs Costa Rica CONCACAF 2022 World Cup Qualifiers
Mexico Glad to Return Home
Mexico’s last three WCQ games were on the road. Los Aztecas lost to Team USA and Canada and suffered more than expected to defeat Jamaica. That’s why they’re so glad to return home. Gerardo Martino’s team remains undefeated at Estadio Azteca with a 2-1-0 record.
On Thursday, they had to come from behind in order to beat Jamaica 2-1. The Reggae Boyz opened the can five minutes into the second half despite playing one man down. Mexico managed to turn things around in the last 10 minutes of the game. Henry Martin came off the bench to even the score before Alexis Vega scored the winning goal.
Mexico’s roster is so talented that Edson Alvarez (Ajax) and Jesus Corona (Sevilla) aren’t starters. I can assure that both would be starters in any other team in the region.
As if that wasn’t enough, Martino is considered one of the best head coaches in the world. Let’s not forget that he previously coached Paraguay, Argentina and FC Barcelona. That combination is enough for Mexico to rightfully control the soccer odds at -290. And let me tell you something, that price could be higher.
Mexico’s predicted lineup: Guillermo Ochoa; Jorge Sanchez, Hector Moreno, Nestor Araujo, Jesus Gallardo; Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado, Carlos Rodriguez; Alexis Vega, Ramiro Funes Mori, Uriel Antuna.
Costa Rica Thinking About Aztecazo 2.0
In 2001, Costa Rica pulled off an incredible betting online upset by beating Mexico 2-1 at Estadio Azteca. Known as El Aztecazo, allowed Costa Rica to finish atop the standings on the road to the 2002 World Cup. Well, if Los Ticos want to keep dreaming about Qatar 2022, they really need to do it again.
Midweek, they regained some confidence by beating Panama 1-0 at Estadio Nacional. Bryan Ruiz came off the bench to score the winning goal in the second half. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas also deserves a lot of credit. Costa Rica wouldn’t be in the race if it wasn’t for PSG’s goalkeeper.
Orlando Galo and Ricardo Blanco won’t be available due to injury, but Keysher Fuller and Celso Borger are ready. More experienced players can make a huge difference in a crucial game like this.
Plus, I expect Costa Rica to change its system to 5-4-1 and heavily rely on the counter-attack. Los Ticos can’t play mano a mano with Mexico, especially on the road. Costa Rica is 0-2-2 away from home.
Costa Rica’s predicted lineup: Keylor Navas; Ronald Matarrita, Francisco Calvo, Kendall Waston, Juan Pablo Vargas, Keysher Fuller; Yeltsin Tejeda, Celso Borges, Aaron Suarez, Alonso Martinez; Joel Campbell.
Mexico vs Costa Rica Head to Head
- Previous Matches: 56
- Mexico Victories: 32 (89 goals)
- Costa Rica Victories: 6 (34 goals)
- Draws: 18
In September, Mexico went to Costa Rica and won 1-0. Orbelin Pineda scored from the penalty spot prior to the end of the first half. Despite playing at home, Los Ticos only made one shot on target. I guess that explains why Navas finished as the Man of the Match.
Mexico is 4-1-0 in its last five games when playing at home against Costa Rica. Los Ticos didn’t even score a goal.
Mexico vs Costa Rica Game Information
- Date: Sunday
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Mexico vs Costa Rica Live Stream: fuboTV
Mexico vs Costa Rica Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Mexico | -1½ +115 | -290 | 2½ +115o | 1½ -135o
1½ +105u |
| Costa Rica | +1½ -145 | +850 | 2½ -145u | ½ +135o
½ -165u |
| Draw | +375 |
Mexico vs Costa Rica Prediction
Los Ticos defeated Panama, but they didn’t play well. Costa Rica’s defense is above average, but that’s not enough to win, or even draw, at Estadio Azteca. The team lacks chemistry when attacking and head coach Luis Fernando Suarez doesn’t want to admit it.
Knowing Canada and Team USA will collide this weekend, this is a great opportunity for Mexico to try and ascend to first place. I don’t expect a blowout, but I do expect the home side to win without too much trouble. That’s why my football prediction includes Mexico winning and the total going under.
