Argentina vs Costa Rica Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Argentina vs Costa Rica Preview

• Date: 27 March, Wednesday
• Kick-off Time: 3:00 AM (GMT)
• Stadium: United Airlines Field at the Memorial Coliseum

Argentina national football team will take on Costa Rica in their second friendly of the March international break at the United Airlines Field Memorial Coliseum in the United States of America. The World Cup winners come into the game on the back of an impressive 3-0 victory against El Salvador in Philadelphia despite the absence of captain and football legend Lionel Messi. Messi’s injury may have been a blow for La Albiceleste, but Lionel Scaloni’s men are slowly learning to play without the 36 year old veteran. The Argentinians are expected to showcase their prowess against Costa Rica as well as they prepare for the 2024 Copa America in June. 

On the other end of the spectrum are Costa Rica national football team. Costa Ricans also had a formidable display in their Copa America qualifying match as they beat an ailing Honduras 3-1. As usual, Keylor Navas led the relatively young team from goal. The win saw them secure a berth in the summer tournament.  As the side prepares for the upcoming Copa America in the United States, manager Gustavo Alfaro seems to be bleeding young players into the team as he looks to find the best squad to take to the summer tournament. A match against the South American giants Argentina, could help Costa Rica understand where they truly stand in terms of preparation. 

Argentina vs Costa Rica Team News:

Argentina:

La Albiceleste continue to remain on cloud nine ever since their 2022 World Cup win. Apart from a shock defeat at the hands of Uruguay in November last year, Argentina have won 17 out of their last 18 matches, including the World Cup final. The team hasn’t slowed down since the World Cup and will head into the 2024 Copa America as the favorites to win it as well.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez played a crucial role in Argentina’s World Cup run. However, since then the defender has been plagued with injuries and recently sustained another one. Similarly, Bayer Leverkusen’s midfielder Exequiel Palacios has been terrific this season, but an injury has sidelined him for Argentina as well.

Lastly comes the chieftain, Lionel Messi. At 36, it is evident that age is slowly catching up with the best footballer in the world as injuries are hounding him since the turn of the year. He has already missed a shocking eight games for Inter Miami since February this year and his latest injury has also sidelined him for the national team. Argentina will be cautious with the captain in order to have him return for Copa America.

Costa Rica:

The Keylor Navas-led Costa Rica have been sliding lower and lower in FIFA rankings since 2015. However, the emergence of youngsters has slowly seen the side improve over the course of the last few months. The young Costa Rican side will face their first real test in the Copa America June. While they are on a two match win streak, they lost three in a row prior to the wins. Keylor Navas will be attentive to the defensive situation of the team and will look to instruct his defense to remain compact against the highly aggressive attacking line of La Albiceleste. 

Argentina vs Costa Rica Predicted Lineups:

Argentina Expected XI:

Emi Martinez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi (C), Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodri de Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Garnacho, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria

Costa Rica Expected XI:

Keylor Navas (GK, C), Gerald Taylor, Julio Cascante, Pablo Arboine, Francisco Calvo, Joseph Mora, Warren Madrigal, Orlando Galo, Jefferson Brenes, Alvaro Zamora, Manfred Ugalde

Argentina vs Costa Rica Head-to-Head Record:

Surprisingly since 2010, the two nations have met only twice and both of the fixtures were way back in 2011! Despite Costa Rica being invited to the Copa America several times, the nations never crossed paths in the competition. While certain players from Argentina featured in the team back in 2011, only Francisco Calvo survives from the Costa Rican side from 2011. In their two battles back in 2011, Argentina won one game while the other battle ended in a draw. 

Last two results: 

• Argentina 3-0 Costa Rica:- Copa America Group Stage – July 12, 2011
• Costa Rica 0-0 Argentina:- International Friendly – 30 March 2011

Argentina vs Costa Rica Prediction:

Despite being rendered Messi-less for the March international break, La Albiceleste are relentless and will push to secure another victory on the road. The World Cup winners are slowly working their way towards a future without the veteran footballer and will look to showcase their strength against Costa Rica. On the other hand, Costa Rica will look to salvage a draw and attempt to hurt Argentina on the counterattack with their effective ability to break through the wings. Argentina vs Costa Rica will be an exciting battle, but it is unlikely that Argentina will lose the battle.

Predicted Score: Argentina 3-1 Costa Rica

Argentina vs Costa Rica Betting Tips and Odds:

Bookmakers expect Argentina to win the game comfortably and score at least two goals

• Argentina win: 1.27
• Draw: 5.40
• Costa Rica win:9.0

Odds Source: Oddspedia.com

Bookmaker: Stake

Where to watch Argentina vs Costa Rica:

• United States: fuboTV, TUDN USA, FOX Deportes
• Argentina: DAZN
• India: N/A
• El Salvador: DAZN
• UK: Livefootball.com, DAZN

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