World Cup 2022: Northern American’s Finest Reaching Critical Qualifying Point

Mexico vs Costa Rica

I covered all Costa Rica matches at the last World Cup and, although they didn’t progress out of their group, they gave a good account of themselves.

Their 2-2 draw with Switzerland was one such example but it was actually in defeat when their character shown through, despite the petulance of one of the world’s top players (supposedly).

I’ve not followed them since but now, as Los Ticos try and save their World Cup 2022 qualifying bid four years on, I’m secretly hoping they return to football’s biggest stage of all for their colourful and passionate fans deserve to.

They face a tough test against Mexico in the Azteca this weekend mind.

Talking Points

The central Americans helped their qualifying hopes with a narrow victory over Panama yesterday thanks to a Bryan Ruiz goal which moved them to within two points of their opponents (placed fourth in the standings).

Meanwhile, two late goals in three minutes helped Mexico come from behind to defeat 10-man Jamaica at Independence Park in Kingston.

That kept them in third place in the qualifying table where there are three direct tickets to the World Cup granted by the North, Central American and Caribbean zone.

The fourth-placed team will go to an intercontinental play-off against a nation from Oceania in June, something Costa Rica will be targeting at the expense of Panama.

That is why this match is so important as they strive to return to the world’s stage.

It was that stage on which my first memory of them stems from, going back to Italia 90 when they shocked the world and helped send Scotland packing at the group stage.

Los Ticos have finished in second spot in the final stage of World Cup qualifying over their previous two campaigns, but they will have their work cut out to finish in that same position this time around, currently trailing the USA by six points and leaders Canada by seven.

This clash could also see two Mexicans near international milestones.

Andres Guardado is inching closer to the all-time caps record for El Tri and has 172, five fewer than Claudio Suarez. Meanwhile, if selected, goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will move into a tie with Carlos Salcedo for sixth in the all-time appearances list with 124 caps in a Mexican national shirt.

There’ll be little time for records on Sunday though – the points are all that matters as the race to secure those all-inclusive spots in Qatar hots up.

History

Out of 58 matches in which they have met, Mexico have only been beaten by Costa Rica on seven occasions.

The Central American and Caribbean Games Final in El Salvador in 1935 was their first ever clash which resulted in a 2-0 Mexican win – and they have won most encounters since.

Thirty-four in fact with a further 17 draws, including seven of their last eight matches (two via a penalty shoot-out).

The most recent was in San Jose in September when a Orbelin Pineda penalty on the stroke of half-time settled the contest in Mexico’s favour.

In fact, you have to go back to 2013 when Costa Rica last tasted victory over the Mexicans when Ruiz and Alvaro Saborio were the men on target in a 2-1 triumph.

What they would give for such World Cup qualifying highlights this weekend as that has been their only victory in 23 matches stretching back to 2001.

That was also the last time they won on Mexican soil when late goals from Rolando Fonseca and Hernan Medford did the damage.

Both sides qualified for the tournament the following summer.

Betting Tip

	Mexico vs Costa Rica	Over 2.50 @ 2.16
	January 31, 07:00 (GMT+8)

Mexico have home advantage and are clear favourites with the SBOTOP World Cup qualifying betting odds.

The odds back them First Half 1X2 @ 1.90, First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 1.91, 1X2 @ 1.34 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.17.

Costa Rica are on offer First Half 1X2 @ 6.80, First Half Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 1.97, 1X2 @ 8.25 and Asian Handicap +1.25 @ 2.02.

The 1X2 draw is on offer @ 4.30.

A repeat of the 1-0 Mexican success from four months ago is available with Correct Score @ 4.40.

If there’s to be goals then look at over 2.50 goals @ 2.16, total goal 0-1 @ 2.71, 2-3 @ 1.86 and 4-6 @ 3.85.

Double Chance Costa Rica or Draw will pay out @ 2.90.

I think this will be a tight affair and I am plumping for over 2.50 goals @ 2.16 as a *** tip.

 

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