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Costa Rica vs Spain Preview
Spain’s short winning streak came to an end after they lost 1-0 to England on Saturday. They however had a decent squad, but the problem seemed to lie in the defensive techniques of The Three Lions.Luckily for them, Costa Rica are not as good as Fabio Capello’s men, neither tactically nor physically. The South Americans have had a terrible run since their 3-0 defeat to Argentina in the 2011 Copa America.
They have lost four of their last five friendly games - their only victory being against USA, early in September. They were again humbled 2-0 at the weekend against Panama. Their current form does not give them much hope of winning against the world champions, but Spain nevertheless have no reason to be complaisant.
Costa Rica vs Brazil Report
Coach Mano Menezes lined up Fred, Lucas Moura and Neymar in a 4-2-3-1 formation whereas Costa Rica went for a 4-4-2 placement. The hosts created an early opportunity but Winston Park failed to stun the visitors.The first yellow card of the game was produced after 44 minutes and more bookings followed. Heiner Mora even received an 83rd minute red card for making a reckless tackle which seemed influenced by the torrential rain in San Jose.
Neymar’s goal, which involved a fine cross by Barcelona’s Dani Alves and a top midfield pass by Ronaldinho, proved to be the only great thing to come out from the match for the Selecção. They were uninspiring throughout, living Costa Rica lively in attack at several occasions.
Costa Rica vs Brazil Preview
Brazil are finding their Samba rhythm back. They’ve remained unbeaten since losing 3-2 to Joachim Löw’s young Germany squad on August 10. The return of Ronaldinho has also played a big role in putting Mano Menezes’s team back on track. However, the influence of other players in the squad must not be overlooked. Leandro Damiao scored the only goal during Brazil’s international friendly against Ghana in England. Lucas then starred alongside starlet Neymar when Brazil went on to defeat rivals Argentina 2-0 in late September.
Coach Mano Menezes’s task is to maintain the Selecção’s progress as fervent fans want to bury their 2011 Copa America fiasco through future success.
USA vs Costa Rica Preview
The United States have a few scores to settle against Costa Rica. During the qualification phase ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, USA failed to beat the Costa Ricans. They were handed a 3-1 defeat away from home in June 2009 before earning only 1 point from a 2-2 draw in the return leg which took place in October 2009.Ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the USA want to build a winning team. The era under Bob Bradley is gone. Jurgen Klinsmann is now at the head of the coaching staff.
The recently appointed coach will have another chance to win his first match in charge of the USA. Ex-Germany manager Klinsmann left positive impressions among fans and through the media following the Americans’ hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mexico on August 11 this year.
Argentina relish Costa Rica victory as Peru, Chile or Uruguay could come next
After 180 minutes of poor football, Argentina finally woke up to the cries of their angry and anxious supporters. They demolished Costa Rica 3-0 in their last group stage match to seal their passage into the quarter-finals of the 2011 Copa America. Lionel Messi starred with a fine performance despite not scoring. Aguero clinched a brace whereas Di Maria also got his name on the scoring sheet. This left Sergio Batista proud of his team and of Messi in particular as he told the press in a post-match interview:
“He played a fantastic game. We talked a lot about the emotional and individual state of the team before the match. We needed to regain our confidence. Lionel knows how to overcome these situations.
Match-Day 3: Judgement Day For Messi & Batista As Argentina Face Costa Rica
“The team is eager to reverse the situation. We talked a lot and we are fine.“We are prepared to win, but these crucial things happen. We knew the Copa America wouldn't be easy. The teams have developed considerably, but the reality is that it was unthinkable that Argentina and Brazil would under perform.”
The Albiceleste have actually scored only 1 goal in 180 minutes of Copa America football. They are yet to bag a victory in Group A and they are now left with the sole option of beating Costa Rica or crash out of the competition on home soil.
2011 Copa America: Can Uruguay Defy Chile's Group C Leadership?
Unlike Argentina, Costa Rica managed to learn from their mistakes in the opening game and showed excellent football this Thursday as Ricardo La Volpe's boys defeated Bolivia. With an excellent collective display, Costa Rica had in Joel Campbell the offensive prowess and versatility Argentina lacked in the first two games.Colombia secured an important point against Argentina last Wednesday and has almost secured its ticket for the knockouts with 4 points. It seems like Colombia depends on Freddy Guarin's and Abel Aguilar's form to get the ball to their rivals' area, and their level has been far below Colombia's coach expectations for the Copa America.
Group C action kicks off this Friday as Chile receives Uruguay. Claudio Borghi wants to confirm his Rojos are to be taken as a serious candidate for the title after their marvelous victory in the opening game. Watch out for Alexis Sanchez and Matias Fernandez, for their partnership is likely to wreak havoc in Celeste's area.
The Uruguayans failed on maintaining the level they've shown in South Africa.Oscar Tabarez must consider alternatives for Nicolas Lodeiro and Mauricio Victorino, as he needs to find a player able to build a bridge towards Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
I believe the excellent form of the Chilean squad is likely to grant Borghi yet another major victory against Uruguay this Friday. Mexico has an easy game against Peru, but will they be able to break through the Peruvian defense? Mexico's speed could be a stronger weapon against Bicolor's packed defense.
Argentina vs Costa Rica Preview
It’s not the final of the 2011 Copa America. It’s just a group stage match—a Group A encounter on the third day of the tournament, to be precise. But the importance of this game is way bigger than anyone would have thought before the Copa America kicked off.Two matches, two draws, two points. What is wrong with the hosts who have an enviable and exceptional squad of stars? The greatest irony lies in the fact that Argentina’s attacking line is, on paper, superior to their defensive line. Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Angel di Mari, Lavezzi…
Many would argue that this is the Albiceleste’s best generation of forwards. So where are the goals if, just as Sergio Batista insists, there is absolutely no change needed in Argentina's formation?
Bolivia vs Costa Rica Preview
The 2011 Gold Cup rejects and Copa America invitees suffered a huge blow against Colombia on the first match-day of their campaign in Argentina. Now as if losing the red-carded Randall Brenes midway through the first half wasn’t enough, Costa Rica also conceded a lone goal to finish the night empty-handed. But 21-year-old goalkeeper Leonel Moreira is not throwing the towel just yet.“We are all looking forward and now we have to have a good game against Bolivia,” said the youngster according to Terra US in the aftermath of this team’s 1-0 loss to Colombia whereas La Volpe gave his thoughts as well, declaring:
2011 Copa America: Costa Rica National Team Profile And History
Costa Rica’s history in football isn’t as rich as the history of many other participants in the 2011 Copa America. They have never shined at the FIFA World Cup, but have nevertheless shown dominance in Central America in the last 20 years with 6 UNCAF Nations Cup trophies.
As CONCACAF members and not CONMEBOL members, Costa Rica can only participate in the Copa America tournament as guests, whenever they receive invitations. So far, La Sele have played in 3 editions.
A Recap Of Costa Rica’s Copa America History
1997 Edition (Round 1 Exit)
Costa Rica landed in Group C along with Brazil, Mexico and Colombia. They were humiliated 5-0 in their first game against the then-defending world champions, and they went on to get thrashed again – this time – 4-1 by Colombia. They finally held Mexico to a draw in their third encounter, but overall, their results were simply not good enough to get them a place in the quarterfinals.
Colombia vs Costa Rica Preview
An easy start for Ricardo La Volpe’s side? Certainly not. Colombia possess attacking players like Hugo Rodallega and Radamel Falcao who have been tasked to put their talent on show throughout the 2011 Copa America. However, a win for Costa Rica will be accepted with a lot of emotion following the tragic death of Dennis Marshall. The defender, who died in a car crash last week, will be remembered for long as coach Ricardo La Volpe affirmed according to MLSsoccer.com:
“It’s a tough blow. He was a young guy with a big future. I send my most heartfelt condolences to his family”
Copa America 2011- Group A, Group B, Group C: A Quick Review
It's the most important football event in Latin America. And this time around, it's Argentina's turn to host and provide all those excitement and passion that the Copa America has duly done all the time. Follow us on Live Soccer TV as we provide you with a quick look and predictions of what might unfold during the group stages.
GROUP A
A group made up of Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia and Costa Rica doesn't sound too intriguing but indeed there's a lot to offer in Group A. The host nation will certainly head the lot as favorites to top the group while Bolivia do not have the talent to match the rest in the group- leaving them to battle for pride.
Watch Out For Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay And Uruguay Says Thiago Silva.
On Monday, Brazilian defender Thiago Silva shared his views while talking to the media. The AC Milan star will be playing in his first ever Copa America tournament and he is looking forward to help Brazil overcome all challenges to retain their crown. This week, his coach Mano Menezes had identified host nation Argentina as the Copa America’s favorites but Thiago Silva has added Brazil to this lot. The 2011 Copa America’s official website, CA2011.com, quoted the Milan player as saying:
“Between Brazil and Argentina, it will be 50/50. Argentina can be seen as favorites as they will be at home. But we are also seen as the team to beat as we won the last two editions.”
Can Invitees Costa Rica Find Gold Cup Consolation In The 2011 Copa America?
Quarter-final losers Costa Rica have nothing more to dream about when it comes to their 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign. The Central American side can now turn its focus on the Copa America after penalty nightmares prevented them from going past Honduras last Saturday.
Ex-Mexico manager Ricardo La Volpe, who blamed Costa Rica’s Gold Cup quarter-final defeat on football’s “lottery” factor, will guide an improved U-23 team during the 2011 Copa America. Following the...
Costa Rica vs Argentina Report
A boring game took place this Wednesday in Costa Rica, as Sergio Batista's Gauchos were harmless without Barcelona's top striker. Argentina's coach controlled the midfield thanks to Ever Banega and Javier Mascherano, but was unable to overwhelm the hosts, who could have bagged a victory with a little more luck.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.
Costa Rica vs Argentina Preview
This is Argentina's last game prior to the Copa America debut next July against Bolivia in La Plata. The Gauchos showed great understanding of the inner workings of the team last week in New Jersey, but they lacked efficiency in the last meters of the field. 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.
Costa Rica vs Argentina: More Than A Friendly Match
Costa Rica coach Ricardo La Volpe reportedly felt insulted by Argentina’s Sergio Batista back in 2006, during his times at Boca Juniors. The former goalkeeper—who managed the Mexico national football team during the 2006 World Cup also received a contract with Velez Sarsfield later on, but unsuccessful runs with Los Xeneizes and El Fortin left Batista to question Ricardo’s ability to deal with Argentinean football.The current boss of Los Albicelestes’ statement years ago certainly did not please La Volpe, who recently told TyC Sports—and Argentinean TV station: "In the past, he (Batista) said that I had to get used to Argentinean football.
Slovakia vs Costa Rica – International Friendly Match Preview
Just as they are looking to build momentum ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Slovakia have opted to test their fire against Costa Rica one more time. It will be their last opportunity to warm-up before they kick off their World Cup campaign on June 15 against New Zealand. Slovakia played out an unconvincing 1-1 draw against Cameroon in late May.
This result just allowed fears to distract their hopes of progressing from their group which contains the likes of favorites Italy, South America’s Paraguay, and underdogs New Zealand. Slovakia impressed throughout their European World Cup qualification campaign, topping countries like Poland and the Czech Republic in their table to clinch automatic tickets to the 2010 World Cup finals. But since the start of this year, Slovakia’s national football team hasn’t enjoyed anything positive. Let’s see what they’ll gain against Costa Rica on Saturday.
Switzerland vs Costa Rica – International Friendly Match Preview
Switzerland have played only twice since ending their European World Cup qualifying campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Israel. These two games, unfortunately for the Swiss, resulted in defeats to Norway and to struggling side Uruguay. The Euro 2008 co-hosts are now looking forward to surmounting the obstacles that will be present during the 2010 World Cup.
Switzerland will take Monday’s match as a perfect opportunity to prepare for their second group stage encounter in South Africa which will be against South American side Chile. The Swiss aren’t tipped as favorites to progress from their table although prediction foresee respectful score lines and displays from this emerging footballing nation during the World Cup. Switzerland’s coach and players will be very much relieved should they beat Costa Rica in their friendly match on Monday.
France vs Costa Rica - International Friendly Match Preview
French fans are furious and desperate about the state of the country's national team. Nothing seems to go better and the omission of play makers Samir Nasri, Hatim Ben Arfa, and striker Karim Benzema has let them lose even more confidence in France's 2010 World Cup chances to succeed. In their last friendly match, Les Bleus went down 2-0 to a Spanish side that fully deserved to win at the end of the 90 minutes.
Time is running out as the 1998 World Cup champions prepare for South Africa 2010, but for Coach Raymond Domenech, the players he has chosen are making a lot of positive efforts which is good for the team. He said ahead of Wednesday's game against Costa Rica: