The 2024 Copa America Group D clash between Costa Rica and Paraguay is set to take place on July 3, 2024, at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.
This match holds significance as both teams are looking to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the prestigious South American football tournament.
Match Preview
Costa Rica, led by manager Gustavo Alfaro, will be aiming to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat against Colombia in their previous outing.
Meanwhile, Paraguay, under the guidance of Daniel Garnero, will be desperate to end their campaign on a high note after already being eliminated from the competition.
Costa Rica have had a mixed start to their Copa America 2024 campaign.
They began with a promising 0-0 draw against the tournament favorites, Brazil, showcasing their defensive solidity and organization.
However, they were unable to maintain that momentum in their second match, suffering a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Colombia.
The Costa Rican squad is led by experienced players such as Keylor Navas, Celso Borges, and Joel Campbell, who will be looking to guide the team to a positive result against Paraguay.
Additionally, the emergence of young talents like Alvaro Zamora has added an exciting dynamic to the team’s attack.
Paraguay, on the other hand, have had a disappointing tournament so far.
They have lost both of their matches, first against Colombia (2-1) and then against Brazil (1-4), leaving them at the bottom of Group D with no points.
Despite their struggles, Paraguay can still count on the talent and experience of players like Julio Enciso, Gustavo Gómez, and Ángel Romero to try and salvage some pride in their final group stage encounter.
The team will be aiming to end their Copa America 2024 campaign on a high note, even though their elimination has already been confirmed.
Costa Rica’s recent form has been a mixed bag. After their encouraging start against Brazil, they suffered a heavy defeat against Colombia, which has put their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages in jeopardy.
In their last five matches across all competitions, Costa Rica have recorded the following results: L-D-W-W-D.
This suggests that they have the ability to bounce back from setbacks, but they will need to be at their best to overcome a determined Paraguay side.
Paraguay’s recent performances have been underwhelming, as they have lost both of their Copa America 2024 group stage matches.
In their last five matches across all competitions, they have recorded the following results: L-L-W-L-D.
The team’s struggles have been evident, and they will be looking to end their campaign on a positive note by securing a win against Costa Rica.
However, their poor form and the fact that they have already been eliminated from the competition may make this a challenging task.
Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record between Costa Rica and Paraguay in their last five meetings is as follows:
- 04 Jun 2016: Costa Rica 0-0 Paraguay (Copa America)
- 26 Mar 2015: Costa Rica 0-0 Paraguay (International Friendly)
- 05 Mar 2014: Costa Rica 2-1 Paraguay (International Friendly)
- 11 Aug 2010: Paraguay 2-0 Costa Rica (International Friendly)
- 08 Jul 2004: Costa Rica 0-1 Paraguay (Copa America)
The two teams have faced each other 14 times in total, Costa Rica has dominated with 8 wins and three matches have ended in a draw.
Injury and Suspension
Manfred Ugalde (Striker) – Unavailable due to injury
Andres Cubas (Midfielder) – Suspended after receiving a red card in the previous match
Both teams will be missing key players for this crucial encounter, which could impact their respective strategies and lineups.
Prediction
Despite Costa Rica’s disappointing result against Colombia, they are still in contention for a spot in the knockout stages of the Copa America 2024.
The team’s defensive organization and the potential of players like Alvaro Zamora suggest that they have the ability to bounce back and secure a victory against Paraguay.
On the other hand, Paraguay’s poor form and the fact that they have already been eliminated from the competition may work against them.
However, they will be determined to end their campaign on a high note and may pose a challenge to the Costa Ricans.
Considering the teams’ recent performances and the head-to-head record, a close and competitive match is expected.
While Costa Rica are the favorites to win this encounter, it is likely to be a closely fought affair with the potential for goals at both ends.
- Prediction: Costa Rica 2-1 Paraguay
Betting Tips
Match Result: Costa Rica to win – This prediction is based on Costa Rica’s stronger overall performance in the tournament and their need to secure a win to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 goals – Given the attacking potential of both teams and the need for a positive result, this match is likely to see a high-scoring encounter.
Both Teams to Score: Yes – Both teams have shown the ability to score goals in the tournament, and with the stakes high, they are likely to go all-out in search of a victory, increasing the chances of both teams finding the back of the net.
Remember, these are just predictions and betting tips, and the actual outcome of the match may differ. It is important to always gamble responsibly and within your means.