Colombia has a chance to secure a spot in the Copa America quarter-finals if they defeat Costa Rica this Friday at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
After their 2-1 win against Paraguay, Colombia leads Group D with three points. Meanwhile, Costa Rica surprised many with a goalless draw against Brazil.
Costa Rica, despite spending most of their recent game against Brazil defending and having minimal attacking opportunities, achieved something remarkable. They became only the third CONCACAF team to keep Brazil from scoring in Copa America history, following Honduras in 2001 and Mexico in 2001 and 2007.
However, stats alone don't decide games, and Brazil dominated in possession and scoring chances, with Costa Rica managing only 26% possession and a very low expected goals ratio.
Costa Rica is currently enjoying a four-game unbeaten streak, their longest since the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup when they went five games without a loss before the tournament began. They haven't conceded a goal in their last three matches but have never managed back-to-back clean sheets at the Copa America.
Historically, Costa Rica has struggled against Colombia, losing nine of their 11 meetings. Their last victory against Colombia came at the 2016 Copa America, more than 70 years after their first win against them in 1938.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
In the upcoming match, Colombia might have to cope without Jhon Lucumi, as the Bologna defender was substituted early against an opponent, replaced by Yerry Mina from Cagliari due to an injury.Luis Diaz marked his 50th appearance for the national team, while Camilo Vargas continued in goal, maintaining his starting streak for Colombia this year, despite David Ospina, the most capped player, being on the bench.
Daniel Munoz opened the scoring in their recent match, followed by Jefferson Lerma, both from Crystal Palace, securing the victory. James Rodriguez made history by becoming the first player in this tournament to provide two assists in a single group stage game since Peru's Andre Carrillo in 2019.
Costa Rica made three changes to their starting lineup from their previous match against Grenada in World Cup qualifying (3-0), including Haxzel Quiros, Juan Pablo Vargas, and Jefferson Brenes.
Jeyland Mitchell, aged 19 years and 270 days, became the youngest player to start for a CONCACAF team in this competition since Joel Campbell in 2011 (who was 19 years and 15 days old), with Campbell himself appearing in the final 20 minutes of their opener.
Despite Brazil taking 19 shots against Costa Rica, goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira only had to make three saves to maintain his fourth consecutive clean sheet.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Colombia possible starting lineup:Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Mina, Mojica; Rios, Lerma, Arias, Rodriguez; Duran, Diaz
Costa Rica possible starting lineup:
Sequeira; Quiros, Mitchell, Vargas, Calvo, Lassiter; Galo, Bran, Aguilera; Zamora, Ugalde
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Colombia 2-0 Costa Rica
Costa Rica has shown their defensive capabilities, but they might find themselves under constant pressure again on Friday. Dealing with another formidable attacking team could lead to fatigue setting in for Los Ticos as the game progresses.
Last edited: