Suriname will look to move into a top-two position in Group A of the CONCACAF Nations League when they host Costa Rica on Friday at Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium.
Natio slipped to third in the group after a 1-0 defeat to Guadeloupe on matchday two, leaving them one point behind Costa Rica, who managed a 0-0 draw against Guatemala.
Match Preview
Ridgeciano Haps of Suriname on March 24, 2024
Suriname saw their six-match unbeaten run across all competitions come to an end last month, as they failed to score for the first time since a 1-0 defeat to Cuba over a year ago in the same tournament.
That defeat was also the first under head coach Stanley Menzo, who had previously led Suriname to three consecutive victories by an aggregate score of 11-2.
Now, Suriname will aim to avoid back-to-back defeats for the first time in over two years. The last time they lost consecutive matches in regulation was in 2022 when they fell 3-1 to Jamaica, followed by a 3-0 defeat to Mexico in the Nations League.
Suriname has managed to avoid defeat in their last three Nations League home games, including a 4-0 win over Grenada in their most recent match at Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium.
The last time they lost a match on home soil was back in March 2023, falling 2-0 to Mexico. Their most recent triumph against a Central American opponent came in September 2022, when they defeated Nicaragua 2-1 in a friendly.
Warren Madrigal of Costa Rica at the CONCACAF Nations League on March 23, 2024
As for Costa Rica, under interim head coach Claudio Vivas, it’s still unclear what direction the team will take. After a commanding 3-0 victory over Guadeloupe in his debut, Costa Rica found themselves stifled by Guatemala’s defensive setup in a 0-0 draw, though they remained solid at the back.
Following their 3-0 loss to Colombia in the Copa America, Costa Rica is now unbeaten in their last three competitive matches and has lost just one of their previous eight.
However, Los Ticos have struggled in recent Nations League fixtures away from home, winning only one of their last four. That win came in a comeback 2-1 victory over Martinique in March 2023.
Costa Rica has a solid track record against Caribbean teams, winning all three of their matches against them this year without conceding a goal.
Friday’s game will mark the sixth meeting between Suriname and Costa Rica, with Los Ticos winning all previous encounters, including their most recent clash at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup (2-1).
Team News
Suriname goalkeeper Warner Hahn on March 24, 2024
Suriname made several changes in their last game against Guadeloupe, with Warner Hahn replacing Etienne Vaessen in goal. Liam van Gelderen, Ridgeciano Haps, and Jaden Montnor were also brought into the starting XI in place of Anfernee Dijksteel, Stefano Denswil, and Gyrano Kerk.
Jayden Turfkruier, Silvinho Esajas, and Jonathan Fonkel are still awaiting their first caps, while Gleofilo Vlijter could become Suriname’s all-time leading goalscorer, as he is currently tied with Stefano Rijssel on 14 goals.
For Costa Rica, Gerald Taylor, Sebastian Acuna, Manfred Ugalde, and Warren Madrigal were introduced in their draw with Guatemala, replacing Haxzel Quiros, Alejandro Bran, Alonso Martinez, and Josimar Alcocer.
Rashir Parkins remains the only uncapped player in the squad, while Joel Campbell is closing in on his 28th international goal, which would place him fifth in Costa Rica’s all-time scoring charts.
Possible Lineups
Suriname possible starting lineup: Hahn; Van Gelderen, Abena, Pinas, Haps; Pherai, Van der Kust; Jubitana, Kerk, Paal; Vlijter
Costa Rica possible starting lineup: Sequeira; Mitchell, Vargas, Calvo; Aguilera, Bran, Brenes, Lassiter; Madrigal, Martinez, Campbell
Prediction
Costa Rica’s defensive discipline is likely to be a key factor in this match, and we expect them to narrowly defeat an improved Suriname side, who have been more aggressive under Menzo but may be vulnerable to counterattacks.
Prediction: Costa Rica 1-0 Suriname
