Costa Rica vs USA Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Costa Rica got off to the good start they will have expected on Friday as they beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 away from home in the first round of fixtures of this final World Cup qualification phase for Central America.

This made it five wins on the bounce for them in all competitions and puts them top of the group on goal difference, but there’s a long way to go before they reach Russia 2018. They have the likes of United States, Mexico, and Honduras competing for the three automatic qualification spots, and although they are favourites to take 3rd it will still take a lot of hard work.

Costa Rica’s last defeat will be a bit of a worry as well. It came in Copa America in the summer, with United States hammering them 4-0 in the group stages as they were knocked out with four points. This could be a potential burden on their minds as they head into another match against them.

United States are licking their wounds after a dramatic 2-1 defeat to group favourites Mexico as well. The defeat may hurt, but it’s undeniable that they have come a long way in recent years. They hosted Copa America for the first time ever in the summer and made it all the way to the semi finals before being eliminated by Argentina.

Since then they have won three, drawn one, and lost one of their five matches, and they will feel very confident about their chances of making it through to Russia in two years’ time.

The increasing popularity of football in the United States has seen some very good footballers emerge. One of which is former wonder-kid Jozy Altidore. He has flourished since a return back to the United States and netted 13 MLS goals this season, most of which came towards the back end of the season. He is also the United States top scorer at the moment and has netted six in qualifying already, so backing him to find the net looks a good option.

Away from home United States have been impressive lately as well. They have won five of their last seven away days and lost just once, including emphatic victories over Netherlands and Germany. Their recent hammering of Costa Rica will give them a lot of confidence for this one, so I think they should be able to get something from this game. I’m backing a United States Win or Draw Double Chance at 10/11 and a 2-1 correct score prediction at 14/1 as well.