Costa Rica take on the visitors Martinique in the round 3 match of Gold Cup group stage. The match will be played on Wednesday, June 5th at Red Bull Arena (Harrison).
Costa Rica started the tournament with a match against the main favorite of the group and predictably lost to Panama (1-2). Then Luis Suarez's team failed to score against El Salvador, ending the game in a goalless draw. The national team only has one point so far. However, they still have a chance to reach the playoffs; they just need to defeat Martinique. I consider this task quite achievable. It's true that Costa Rica is not the same team it was 10 years ago, but in the FIFA rankings for the CONCACAF region, they hold the third position after Mexico and the USA. It is Costa Rica, alongside Panama, that most people expect to advance to the quarter-finals from Group C.
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Like their opponent, Martinique also lost to Panama with a score of 1-2. However, they surprised everyone by defeating El Salvador (2-1). Currently, they have three points, and even a draw would be enough to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup playoffs. But it is unlikely that they will settle for a draw. Frankly speaking, this team is quite weak. Their victory over El Salvador can be considered an exception because their opponent looked much better. Martinique was inferior in shots taken (7-22), shots on target (4-10), corners (4-0), and, most importantly, in expected goals (xG) with 1.18 against El Salvador's 2.09. A second exception in three matches would be excessive. Therefore, I believe Martinique will lose in the final group stage match.
Both in terms of squad and football quality, Costa Rica objectively outperforms their opponent. Undoubtedly, Martinique will aim to secure a draw in this encounter. However, I don't think they will succeed. The two teams have faced each other twice in the CONCACAF Nations League over the past two years, and Costa Rica emerged stronger on both occasions with scores of 2-0 and 2-1. Currently, Luis Suarez's team needs only a victory. They know how to defeat this opponent. My assumption is that the highly motivated potential hosts will ultimately overcome their opponent, claim three points, and advance to the quarter-finals. The bet is on 1 (home team victory).
Prediction for the match: Costa Rica to win.
