The American players may have been celebrating qualification to the World Cup after their 5-1 win over Panama on Sunday evening, but their passage through isn’t yet official. The USA have one final hurdle to overcome if they are to reach Qatar later in the year, as they must see off the challenge of Costa Rica on Wednesday evening.
Costa Rica vs USA Odds
| Costa Rica | +260 |
| Draw | +210 |
| USA | +110 |
USA Need A Point
The USA players may have jumped the gun slightly after their recent win, but their qualification through to the World Cup finals looks extremely likely following that victory. They come into this game sitting on 25 points, which is three more than Costa Rica, as well as having a superior goal difference. That advantage in terms of goal difference could yet be the vital factor, as it makes Costa Rica’s chances of progression incredibly slim. In order to achieve an unlikely progression, they will need to win by huge scoreline.
American fans may have been nervous heading into this international break with huge fixtures standing between themselves and Qatar. However, nerves were settled after a 0-0 draw against Mexico, before a resounding win against Panama followed. It was potentially the USA’s best performance of qualification against Panama, as they ran out comfortable 5-1 winners. Christian Pulisic was the star of the show, as the Chelsea winger scored a sublime hat-trick. Meanwhile, Paul Arriola and Jesus Ferreira also scored in the victory.
Costa Rica Need Miracle
Costa Rica are going to need a helping hand from the soccer gods to reach the World Cup finals in Qatar. They are assured of at least a playoff spot at this stage, but could finish in the top three should they win, and results go their way. However, that is a very unlikely scenario, which means an inter-confederation play-off will be their best route to the World Cup this year. That playoff will come up against the team that wins the OFC Final between the Solomon Islands and New Zealand on March 30th.
Costa Rica will certainly not just let the Americans take the win on Wednesday night though, as they have been in sensational form over their last five games. During that period, they have picked up four wins, with their only dropped points coming in a draw against Mexico. During this international break, they have already inflicted a first qualifying defeat on Canada, before they beat El Salvador 2-1 in their latest fixture.
Recent Meetings
The USA has dominated recent meetings between the two sides. They have recorded four straight wins against Costa Rica, which includes the 2-1 win that was achieved earlier in qualification. USA has scored nine goals in their last three games against their rivals this week, while Costa Rica has scored just once.
Costa Rica vs USA Prediction
This is certainly a tricky final fixture for the USA, as Costa Rica are the form side in the region. That means that we could be tempted by the value in the draw on Wednesday evening.
Pick: The Draw @ +210
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