Prediction: Colombia vs Costa Rica

Verdict: Colombia (-1.5) AH

Best odds: 26/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Colombia can reach the Copa America’s knockout stages if they defeat Costa Rica. Although the visitors are considered the underdogs in this fixture, snatching a point against Brazil in the first round predicts a tough battle at State Farm Stadium.

Colombia

Although Colombia’s participation in Copa America started in 1945, 30 years after the first edition, the hosts failed to establish themselves as title contenders until 1975 when they lost their first-ever final to Peru. However, despite Uruguay and Argentina dominating the competition with 15 titles won by each team, Colombia entered the 21st-century en-fanfare after winning their first-ever title by edging Mexico in the final (1-0).

A regular presence in the World Cup tournaments and winning Copa America’s 2021 bronze medal, Colombia climbed the FIFA rankings to 13th place following impressive results. Although Nestor Lorenzo’s team played against heavyweights of World football many times, Los Cafeteros’ last defeat stems from February 2022 when they surrendered in a World Cup qualifier contest against Argentina (1-0).

However, despite failing to reach the final tournament held in Qatar, Colombia is excellently positioned to achieve a 2026 World Cup presence following an impressive start to its qualification campaign. Furthermore, defeating Brazil (2-0) Colombia sits in 3rd place as the only undefeated team after six rounds.

More so, Colombia’s invincibility extended following a perfect start of their Copa America campaign with a 2-1 win over Paraguay in the first round, leading the hosts to their 9th consecutive win across all competitions.

Nestor Lorenzo’s team dominated the first half and secured a comfortable lead before the break with Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma’s strikes. Although Paraguay got back in the game 20 minutes before the final whistle, Colombia’s solid defending was enough to deny Paraguay an equalizer.

Team News

Yet, left winger John Arias impressed in the friendly games before the start of Copa America by scoring in all three matches, the Fluminense ace will be keen to find the back of the net against Costa Rica. Despite Luiz Diaz’s long season at Liverpool, Colombia’s best-rated player aims to score and help his team reach the knockout stage of Copa America.

Costa Rica

Regardless of Costa Rica being the most successful football team in Central America, La Sele failed to make a significant impact in their five participation at the Copa America. While reaching the quarter-finals on two occasions (2001 and 2004) is their best achievement, Costa Rica is well-positioned to progress in the knockout phase after a great start to their campaign.

Although the hosts were seeded in a difficult group alongside Brazil, Colombia and Paraguay, Costa Rica passed the first test against Brazil by surprisingly holding Selcao to a goalless draw in Inglewood, California. While this outcome was a first shock at the Copa America, Costa Rica was in great shape before the match by scoring seven goals in the World Cup qualifiers against Saint Kitts and Nevis (4-0) and Grenada (3-0).

Furthermore, Costa Rica’s defensive output peaked in the last four games across all competitions after keeping clean sheets in all these games while playing Brazil during this time. However, La Sele benefited from the luck as Selecao couldn’t find the back of the net despite firing 19 shots (seven on target and 11 missed).

Still, it might be a different story against Colombia who impressed lately following an incredible run with nine consecutive wins across all competitions and goals scored in all these fixtures, with the 5-1 demolition of the USA standing out. Besides, facing Colombia proved to be a difficult test for Costa Rica who lost six of their seven games played, with the only win stemming back from 2016 in the Copa America when La Sele edged Colombia in an exciting thriller (2-3 final score).

Team News

Goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira will be tested again after an impressive performance against Brazil in which he made three decisive saves. Although Costa Rica defended excellently against Brazil, the attacking line should create more chances to score as Colombia is expected to net at least once. 

Key factors to consider

• Colombia is undefeated in the last 24 games (W19, D5)
• Los Cafeteros started their Copa America with a win against Paraguay (2-1)
• Costa Rica held Brazil to a draw (0-0) in their opening game of the Copa America
• The visitors lost a single game this calendar year (3-1 to Argentina)

Conclusion

Colombia is tipped to reach the knockout phase with a win against Costa Rica. Although La Sele held Brazil to a draw, the scenario might be different this time as Los Cafeterios’ firepower and accuracy point to scoring two or more goals in Patrick Sequeira’s net.

Verdict: Colombia (-1.5) AH

Best odds: 26/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet