United States vs Costa Rica prediction and betting tips - July 26, 2024
In the early hours of Friday, July 26th, the third round of the group stage of the CONCACAF U-20 Championship will commence. In Group A, the United States will face Costa Rica. The match will start at 4:06 Central European Time. Analysts from the Dailysports team have prepared a forecast for this game.
United States
One of the most decorated teams in the CONCACAF Championships, the Stars and Stripes boast three championship titles. The USA has won this tournament three times in a row: in 2017, 2018, and 2022. The 2019 tournament was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, it can be concluded that the Americans are currently the best team on the continent, having retained the gold for seven years. Clearly, they arrive at this tournament as one of the main favorites.
The USA is proving this convincingly. In the first match of the tournament, the Stars thrashed Jamaica 9-0, and in the next game, they secured another dominant victory, this time over Cuba (4-0). At this moment, the USA has the best attack and defense in the entire tournament. Moreover, the Americans have already guaranteed themselves a place in the CONCACAF Championship playoffs.
Costa Rica
The team has also achieved victories in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. Notably, they have just one title less than the USA. Costa Rica has won the title twice, but the last time was in 2009, and before that in 1988. Currently, Costa Rica is not considered one of the main favorites, but they might be able to pull off an upset.
However, in the first match, they unexpectedly failed to defeat Cuba, drawing 1-1. In the next match, Costa Rica crushed Jamaica 3-0. Despite a rocky start, they too have secured a spot in the playoffs.
Interesting facts about the match and head-to-head history
- The last encounter between the USA and Costa Rica was in 2022, where the Americans won 2-0. Overall, Costa Rica has managed to beat the USA only once, which was in 2009.
- The USA has lost only once in their last eight matches.
United States vs Costa Rica prediction
This match will determine who takes first place in Group A. According to bookmakers, the USA is the favorite to win. Their victory odds stand at 1.27. They have performed impressively in the first two games, and I believe this trend will continue. My bet is on the USA’s individual total to be over two with odds of 1.55.
