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Gold Cup Odds: Can Costa Rica Upset Hosts USA?

Don Aguero

by Don Aguero in Soccer News

Updated Jan 17, 2018 · 9:38 AM PST

USMNT celebrate a goal
Erik Drost (flickr) [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/]

Costa Rica (+325) vs. USA (+105), Draw (+230)

Both Costa Rica and the US put on an underwhelming show during the Gold Cup quarter-finals earlier this week. But despite a few nervous moments, they’re both through to the semi-final. The two nations meet today (July 22nd) for a tough match in Arlington.

Costa Rica is the best defensive side in CONCACAF by a pretty large margin. They’ve only conceded one goal so far at the Gold Cup, shutting out every opponent except for Canada. But their attack lacks bite. If it hadn’t been for an extremely lucky own goal against Panama, the Costa Ricans would have ended the game scoreless.

With star striker Joel Campbell out injured, Costa Rica is without a reliable finisher. Sporting’s Bryan Ruiz and San Jose’s Marco Ureña have stepped up in Campbell’s absence, but they haven’t had great results. Instead, it’s been midfielders like Timbers star David Guzmán and NYC FC’s Rodney Wallace who have done most of the heavy lifting.

The USMNT have the exact opposite problem. With proven goalscorers like Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, along with promising young strikers like Jordan Morris and Juan Agudelo, they have the most threatening offense at the tournament. However, their games have been riddled with sloppy defensive errors. If it weren’t for keeper Tim Howard, the US could have easily lost to El Salvador in the quarters.

Unlike Costa Rica, the US has gone all out for the Gold Cup. The hosts called upon stars like Dempsey, Altidore, Michael Bradley, and Howard for the knockout rounds in order to field their best starting eleven.

With defenders like Kendall Waston and Giancarlo González, the US will face their biggest challenge yet. Fortunately, they won’t have to go up against Real Madrid keeper Keylor Navas as well, but the Costa Ricans are doing just fine without their World Cup star.

The US have the stronger side, but their defensive blunders could be their downfall. Costa Rica are definitely the underdogs, but without a marked improvement from the USMNT, we could be in for a huge upset.

Pick: Costa Rica (+325)

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