Costa Rica |
0 - 0
This match has ended. Upcoming related matches:
|
Argentina |
Costa Rica vs Argentina Live Streams and TV Channels
| Country | Channels |
|---|---|
| International | FIFA.com |
| *Don't see your country or favourite channel listed? Let us know and we will include it. | |
Costa Rica vs Argentina Match Preview
Palermo's Javier Pastore is likely to join Lio Messi in the attack as Sergio Batista looks for alternatives in his scheme.
Albiceleste's defense will be a tough nut to crack for Costa Rica's strikers Bryan Ruiz and Álvaro Saborío
Napoli's Ezequiel Lavezzi will be making way for Javier Pastore, while Angel Di Maria's replacement in Benfica, Gonzalo Gaitan, might lead the attack from the left wing.
Sergio Batista said he'll introduce six modifications in his formation, though he didn't give many details about them. Valencia's midfielder Ever Banega -one of team's coach favorites- will be assisted by Javier Mascherano and Lucas Biglia, giving Internazionale's Esteban Cambiasso -scorer of the opener against USA last week- an opportunity to rest.
Costa Rica's Argentinean coach Ricardo La Volpe has only been able to celebrate one victory with the squad (2-0 against Guatemala) in the seven matches played so far. He's aware Lio Messi can wreak havoc in his back line if given enough room to create, but it'd be unwise to focus all the defense against Barcelona's striker.
Pastore, Gaitan and Banega himself will be a thorn for the Central American defenders, and it'd be increasingly difficult if the Albiceleste manages to score an early goal.
Last week's draw against USA might not have pleased the audience, but it was an important game for Argentina's coach. "It was brilliant, they've done all I asked for. It was the best first half since I joined the team" said Batista right after the game.
Marcos Angeleri, Ezequiel Garay and Nicolás Otamendi will be joining Marcos Rojo in the back line instead of the experienced Javier Zanetti and, Nicolas Burdisso in the defense. These modifications might make Argentina very vulnerable to the counter-attack, especially considering the unchallenged speed of Ricardo La Volpe's boys.
Playmakers Celso Borges and Junior Diaz will have to deal with Argentina's packed midfield and create enough goal-scoring opportunities for Alvaro Saborío and Randall Brenes to bag the victory. Costa Rica prepares for the Gold Cup next June, and this clash against Argentina is a perfect opportunity for the hosts to better understand where are they standing in the American fight.
Argentina's alternative squad will rely heavily on Lio Messi to break through Costa Rica's defense, at least for the first half of the game. It's undoubtable Sergio Batista has several outstanding players available for any clash, but he needs to find the right players to make the best out of his scheme. Messi looks comfortable as central striker, will he manage to lead Argentina towards the victory in San Jose?
Costa Rica vs Argentina Match Report
Argentina was lost without Lio Messi. A goalless draw that offered little excitement in San Jose.
Neither Javier Pastore, Gonzalo Gaitan or Jose Sosa could lead the Albiceleste towards a victory in the last match prior to the Copa America.
Real Madrid's defender Ezequiel Garay played a phenomenal watch, nullifying most of Tico's attacks. Marcos Rojo and Marcos Angeleri failed to open the game from the wings, and sometimes left far too many spaces for Alvaro Saborio and Bryan Ruiz, keeping Argentina's goalkeeper Mariano Andujar constantly busy.
Jose Sosa engaged in close combat with Costa Rica's goalkeeper Keylor Navas, minutes before Javier Pastore warned with a powerful mid-distance shot. Ever Banega was dangerous, but his efficiency was far below the expected level.
Batista introduced fresh legs for the second half, making way for Eduardo Salvio and Fernando Belluschi in his squad. The later awoke Argentina as soon as he entered the field, but the effect was short-lived. Argentina struggled endlessly to score the opener without much success.
The Messi-dependance is an important factor for Batista to reconsider prior to the Copa America. Javier Pastore was expected to become the main playmaker, but he could never break through Costa Rica's defense.
Batista might have to reconsider whether Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito are fit enough to wear the Albiceleste shirt. Their international experience and efficiency in the last meters could have granted Argentina the victory.
But it was also a nice opportunity to try a few alternatives in the squad. Jose Sosa and Belluschi took full advantage of this opportunity, as their finesse multiply Argentina's attack possibilities. Los Gauchos lacked any collective work whatsoever, and many times the ball was gifted to the opponents as the midfielders run out of ideas to reach the opposite area.
Ricardo La Volpe's Ticos rescued an important draw from one of the toughest American visitors. Costa Rica showed strong credentials not to be taken for granted in the Gold Cup, while Argentina's coach was left with a lot to do before hosting the Copa America next july.
Costa Rica vs Argentina Videos
Related News
- Costa Rica vs Argentina: More Than A Friendly Match
Tensions have already risen ahead of the Costa Rica vs Argentina friendly match at the New National Stadium, with coaches of both countries not being linked with the best of relationships.