Preview: USMNT prepare to meet Costa Rica in Gold Cup quarterfinal
The USA will host Costa Rica in the last eight of the Gold Cup this weekend as Mauricio Pochettino’s side look to continue their fine form in the competition.
By Matt Smith
The last time the two sides went head-to-head in a competitive game, it was Costa Rica who came out on top with a 2-0 victory back in 2022. The USA have won all of their last five home meetings with this weekend’s opponents, previously securing a 3-0 win in a friendly earlier this year.
Team news
Pochettino will be looking to build on the USA’s most recent performances after winning their three group stage games in the Gold Cup. Malik Tillman and Patrick Agyemang both struck against Haiti last time out, so we could see them retain their place in the starting XI.
Costa Rica struggled in the group stage, narrowly beating Suriname, who are ranked 137th in the world, 4-3. Veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas is still going strong at the age of 38, and he should start between the sticks.
The USA resolute in the competition
Pochettino’s side have conceded just 0.3 goals per game in the competition so far, and the USA boss has them playing exciting football in the Gold Cup. No team has averaged more possession per game, with the USA keeping a whopping 67.6% of the ball.
The USA have also created more big chances, had more touches inside the opposition box, and more shots on target than any other team in the Gold Cup, so we’re expecting an attacking display from the home team in this fixture.
Keeping their discipline key for Costa Rica
No side have been awarded more yellow cards than Costa Rica in the competition so far. Their fiery style has paid dividends after they qualified for the knockout rounds, although conceding three against Suriname last time out was a cause for concern.
Costa Rica have looked reasonably strong defensively outside of their most recent performance, conceding just 1.3 goals per game. We’re expecting a dominant display from the USA, with Costa Rica averaging just 44.4% possession in the tournament.
Tillman the one to watch
PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder has not only been a standout for the USA, but in the Gold Cup overall as well. The 23-year-old is the top goalscorer in the competition, finding the back of the net on three occasions.
His overall performances for his country have been impressive, and he’s starting to become a regular for the USA. After a strong season in Holland with PSG, scoring 16 league goals, Tillman is the one to watch in this game as he looks to continue his fine form for Pochettino’s side.
Prediction
Considering the USA’s recent form, it’s difficult to see past a home victory in this game. We’re going for a 3-1 win to Pochettino’s men, with Tillman to get his name on the scoresheet once again.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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