As the Copa America heats up, Costa Rica is set to face Paraguay in a crucial match on July 3, 2024, at Al Saqr Stadium.
This game is pivotal for both teams, with Costa Rica needing a win to keep their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals alive. Paraguay, on the other hand, has already been eliminated from the tournament.
Team Form and Recent Performance
Costa Rica
Costa Rica started the tournament on a positive note but struggled to maintain their form.
After a promising beginning, they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Colombia, dropping them to third in Group D with only one point. This loss marked their most significant defeat since a 4-1 friendly loss to the United Arab Emirates in September last year.
The Costa Rican defence, which had been solid, faltered, allowing a crucial penalty converted by Luis Diaz.
Now, Costa Rica must not only win against Paraguay but also hope for a Brazilian loss to Colombia and a five-goal swing in their favour to advance.
Paraguay
Paraguay has had a dismal run in the tournament, losing both of their opening games.
Their 4-1 loss to Brazil was a major blow, ensuring their exit from the competition. Despite never having won a Copa America fixture in the United States, Paraguay has managed to avoid going pointless in the tournament until now.
Manager Daniel Garnero faces a tough task to inspire his team, which has conceded six goals in just two matches.
Historically, Paraguay has not lost three successive matches under Garnero’s leadership, and they aim to maintain this record.
Team News and Lineups
Costa Rica
Costa Rica will be without Manfred Ugalde, who is suspended after receiving his second caution of the tournament. Warren Madrigal is expected to replace Jefferson Brenes in the lineup. The potential starting XI for Costa Rica could be:
Goalkeeper: Patrick Sequeira
Defenders: Mitchell, Vargas, Calvo
Midfielders: Quiros, Galo, Brenes, Lassiter
Forwards: Zamora, Campbell, Contreras
Paraguay
Paraguay will miss Andres Cubas due to a suspension following a straight red card in their previous match.
Damian Bobadilla is likely to step in. The predicted starting lineup for Paraguay is:
Goalkeeper: Morinigo
Defenders: Velazquez, Balbuena, Alderete, Espinoza
Midfielders: Caballero, Villasanti, Bobadilla, Enciso, Sosa
Forward: Romero
Prediction
Given the stakes, Costa Rica is expected to play aggressively, but both teams have struggled to create scoring opportunities.
Despite needing a win, Costa Rica’s lack of offensive firepower might result in a cautious approach.
Similarly, Paraguay, aiming to salvage some pride, will look to avoid another heavy defeat.
Our Prediction: Costa Rica 0-0 Paraguay. Both teams have shown conservative play styles and defensive weaknesses, suggesting a likely draw.
Paraguay 
Costa Rica 
