Costa Rica vs Jamaica live on July 20, 2021: Will Los Ticos win Group C deciding match?

July 19, 2021 By Ali M.

Topics: TV Schedules, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Gold Cup

Los Ticos simply need to avoid defeat if they wish to top their group but Campbell and Co. won't be in for an easy ride. Here's a preview.

Preview

Costa Rica are gearing up for their third and final fixture of the 2021 Gold Cup group stage, and what a match this could turn out to be, as the table-toppers lock horns with Jamaica on Tuesday. This Exploria Stadium battle is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET as Los Ticos look to secure a top-spot finish in Group C.

Luis Fernando Suarez's side boast a perfect record in CONCACAF's ongoing tournament, winning both of their opening two ties. Unfortunately for the Central American heavyweights, the same is true for their Caribbean rivals, with the Reggae Boyz beating Suriname and Guadeloupe to pick up six points out of a total six.

The opening fixture for Burke and Co. was a straightforward 2-0 win over Suriname; however, Jamaica's second fixture wasn't without its hiccups. Theodore Whitmore's side kicked off their clash with Guadeloupe with an early own goal, putting the ball in the back of their own net after only four minutes on the clock, forcing the Caribbean nation to pull off a comeback.

Fortunately, that's just what they did. Cory Burke's 14th-minute equalizer brought things level before Junior Flemmings netted the winning goal with only three minutes left of normal time. Regardless, beating the aforementioned teams and overcoming Costa Rica are two different things.

Los Ticos have secured progression to the knockout stage of this tournament for the 12th successive edition, but their form entering the 2021 affair was not great. Prior to their opening day victory, Joel Campbell and Co. failed to win their previous 11 outings, a run dating back to their 2-1 CONCACAF Nations League triumph over Curucao.

Campbell and Borges have been Costa Rica's star men, with each netting two goals, once in the 3-1 victory in the opener and another time in the recent 2-1 triumph over Suriname. Can the pair guide their nation to a third successive win and a first-place finish in their group? Tune in to find out.

Team news

Costa Rica: Francisco Calvo was sent off in Costa Rica's most recent fixture, meaning he is suspended for this tie. It will be interesting to see whether Esteban Alvarado or Leonel Moreira starts in goal, with the earlier getting the nod in between the sticks.

Jamaica: Bobby Reid was ruled out of their recent game after contracting COVID-19 while Kemar Lawrence and Andre Gray, who both made their debuts, will be keen on another outing.