Match Overview
On Wednesday, Costa Rica will host Guatemala in a crucial CONCACAF Nations League clash as both teams vie for a spot in the quarter-finals. With Guatemala currently leading Group A by two points, the stakes are high for both sides.
Match Preview
Costa Rica, currently under interim coach Claudio Vivas, are seeking stability after the departure of Gustavo Alfaro, who took over as Paraguay’s head coach in August. Vivas marked his return with an impressive 3-0 victory against Guadeloupe, featuring goals from Francisco Calvo, Ariel Lassiter, and Warren Madrigal. However, Los Ticos have faced challenges since, including a goalless draw against Guatemala and a 1-1 draw with Suriname in their last match, where Josimar Alcocer’s goal was cancelled out before he received a red card.
Despite these setbacks, Costa Rica has secured a top-four finish in the group and Gold Cup qualification. A victory over Guatemala would not only boost their confidence but also guarantee them a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals. The last time Costa Rica defeated Guatemala was in the 2014 Copa Centroamericana, where they won 2-1.
Guatemala, managed by Luis Fernando Tena, enters this match with momentum after securing two wins and one draw in their previous three group matches. They kicked off their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Martinique, followed by the aforementioned draw with Costa Rica. In their most recent outing, Guatemala triumphed over Guyana with a 3-1 scoreline, thanks to a brace from Oscar Santis and a goal from Oscar Castellanos. With seven points from three matches, Guatemala needs only a draw against Costa Rica to secure their first Nations League quarter-final appearance.
Recent Form
– Costa Rica: 1-1 draw with Suriname; 0-0 draw with Guatemala; 3-0 win against Guadeloupe.
– Guatemala: 3-1 win against Guyana; 0-0 draw with Costa Rica; 3-1 win against Martinique.
Team News
Costa Rica will be without Josimar Alcocer, who is suspended after receiving a red card against Suriname. Midfielder Jefferson Brenes also sustained an injury and will miss the match. This opens up opportunities for Sebastian Acuna and Alvaro Zamora to potentially start.
For Guatemala, Alejandro Galindo is unlikely to play due to injury sustained in their last match. Pedro Altan, who replaced Galindo, is expected to start in this crucial fixture. Defender Kevin Ruiz could also come into the lineup, replacing Jose Pinto, who is doubtful after being substituted at halftime in the previous match.
Possible Lineups
Costa Rica:
– Formation: 4-3-3
– Starting XI: Sequeira; Vargas, Calvo, Mitchell; Quiros, Acuna, Lassiter, Campbell; Madrigal, Zamora, Ugalde
Guatemala:
– **Formation: 4-3-3
– Starting XI: Hagen; Herrera, Samayoa, Ruiz, Ardon; Castellanos, Franco; Santis, Altan, Mendez-Laing; Rubin
