Mexico v Costa Rica
Sunday 30th June 0230hrs
Football – International – CONCACAF Gold Cup
Pick Mexico to win and over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Ladbrokes
Odds: 13/10 (odds taken 14.00 GMT, Saturday 28th June)
This is by far the most attractive match of the four CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final ties as favourites Mexico play a very capable Costa Rica in Texas.
CONCACAF Gold Cup Betting at Ladbrokes
Mexico Preview – Will Mexico’s dominant form continue in knockout phase?
As was to be expected, Mexico have come through the group stage with minimal fuss. Gerardo Martino’s men won all three group games scoring 13 goals in the process. The seven times winners have been irresistible so far but considering their relative strength against the opposition they have faced; it’s not been anything of a surprise. The 7-0 win over Cuba was followed by what looked like on paper as being their biggest test of the section against Canada. They were dispatched 3-1 and it virtually secured top spot in Group A. Martinique proved to be the most challenging team but the Mexicans edged a thriller 3-2. Those three victories extended Mexico’s winning run to seven games and is an indication of the good work Martino is doing.
The competition steps up a gear now but there’s every chance Mexico have still got improvement in them as well. They are without doubt the most prolific of the teams at this tournament but having conceded against Canada and twice against Martinique, they will have to improve defensively for the challenges that lie ahead.
Costa Rica Preview – Are Costa Rica good enough to shock tournament favourites?
Winning the Gold Cup is certainly a monopoly with it being shared amongst three nations – and one of them have managed it only once. Costa Rica’s best effort came 2002 when finishing second to the USA. Since then they have had a couple of third=place finishes, including the last running in 2017. Their form so far at this tournament has been good enough to see them qualify for another knockout phase but they will have to do better now. A 4-0 win over Nicaragua and three points against Bermuda courtesy of a 2-1 win meant it was all set-up in their final game against Haiti. The winners would top the group and with it earn a more favourable route to the semi-final. Somewhat surprisingly it was the Haiti who edged the game meaning Costa Rica face the tournament favourites.
Bryan Ruiz remains Costa Rica’s most important player despite being 33 years old. Capped 122 times this is his fourth Copa America but might well not be his last despite his advancing years. If they are to be successful against Mexico, then Ruiz will have to lead the way.
Key-Facts – Mexico v Costa Rica
- Mexico won all their group games and scored 13 goals in the process
- Costa Rica were surprisingly beaten by Haiti to finished second in their group meaning they face this difficult quarter-final
- Mexico are on a winning run of seven games and all seven wins have come in games where there have been at least three goals scored
Mexico v Costa Rica Betting Advice
The last time these two nations met in the Gold Cup was at this same stage in 2015. Andres Guardardo scored with virtually the last kick of the ball in extra-time four years ago in the most dramatic of finishes. Guardardo remains an influential player for this Mexican team and scored twice in the 3-1 win over Canada. Mexico will hope that facing the same opponent at the same stage this year is a sign of things to come having went on to win the Gold Cup then – their last triumph in the competition.
This competition has been full of goals so far with Mexico leading the way in terms of goals scored. There has been little the in way of surprises, however, and that’s something that I see continuing now we’re into knockout football. Mexico are the best team at this competition and providing they continue to have the same motivation should prove it. With the quality of player they have at their disposal, combined with Costa Rica looking vulnerable in defence against Haiti, it could well be a comfortable win. All seven of Mexico’s last wins have came with at least three goals scored in them and that is the way to go again.
