The CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarter-final stage will come to a close this Sunday when Mexico and Costa Rica re-enact their historic rivalry. Considered as the first "Clásico" in CONCACAF's history, El Tri and Los Ticos will try to prove once and for all that their squads have to be considered favorites to lift the trophy, despite a not so brilliant display in the Group Stage. Although both sides have been struggling to find their top form, this game could provide their fans quite a few emotions, with a semi-final spot guaranteed for the winner.
Historically, Mexico has dominated the meetings against Los Ticos with 27 victories, 15
During the course of this tournament, Mexico has shown both their best and worst side. El Tri won its first match against Cuba with a 6-0 blowout, but their recent matches have shown a shaky team, unable to score against Guatemala and not being capable of holding a two-goal lead against Trinidad & Tobago, who managed to equalize a hectic game at the buzzer. Coach Miguel Herrera is taking serious heat after this game, and his position as Mexico's boss could be in danger if his team doesn't make it to the semi-finals. For this game, the former América manager might have to change his lineup one more time, given that Giovani Dos Santos left the pitch against T&T with what appears to be a thigh injury. The rest of the team seems to be fully fit for the game.
On the other side of the pitch, Costa Rica's performance hasn't been as shining as in their previous international tournament. Paulo Wanchope's men seem to be struggling to get their act together, as the team made it through the knockout stage without a win. With the absence of star goalkeeper Keylor Navas, all eyes turned to Bryan Ruiz to lead the team, but he hasn't been able to take a stand and make things happen up front for the Central American side.
These teams had a friendly match prior to the start of the tournament. Los Ticos dominated the first half of the match, winning 2-0 after 45 minutes, but El Tri bounced back and leveled the game thanks to a goal by Chicharito and another strike by Giovani Dos Santos.
Gold Cup: Team sheets for Mexico vs Costa Rica
Mexico's Starting XI: Guillermo Ochoa, Miguel Layun, Diego Reyes, Francisco Rodriguez, Yasser Corona, Paul Aguilar, Andrés Guardado, Jonathan dos Santos, Carlos Vela, Oribe Peralta
Costa Rica's Starting XI: Esteban Alvarado, Cristian Gamboa, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Francisco Calvo, Junior Diaz, Jose Miguel Cubero, Celso Borges, Joel Campbell, Bryan Ruiz, Johan Venegas, David Ramirez
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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