Costa Rica vs Uruguay prediction: WORLD: Friendly International betting tips on match 2024-05-31 02:00.
[p]The start of a crucial summer of football for Costa Rica has begun by one of the country’s greatest ever players saying goodbye, as 114-cap veteran Keylor Navas officially announced his international retirement last week. Los Ticos have been without their marquee goalkeeper for 16 of their last 24 matches so should at least be well prepared for his absence as they gear up for World Cup qualifiers and the Copa America over the next month.[/p]
[p]First though, a friendly against Uruguay – an opponent Costa Rica have beaten just twice previously (D3, L7) – represents an opportunity to improve on some patchy recent form (W4, L5). And with Gustavo Alfaro’s men facing a daunting Copa America opener against Brazil in California, the chance to go up against illustrious South American opponents here could be just the preparation they need.[/p]
[p]But this Uruguay outfit will be without several of their star names, with stars from Europe as well as those participating in the Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana set to be absent. Manager Marcelo Bielsa is also set to sit this one out with Diego PĂ©rez left in charge of a much-changed La Celeste squad.[/p]
[p]Regardless of the squad makeup, Perez will want to continue the momentum of a strong start to World Cup qualifying (W4, D1, L1) into the Copa America. Uruguay head into the tournament as third favourites behind Argentina and Brazil, yet they’ve failed to progress past the quarter-finals since lifting the trophy in 2011, so Bielsa will be keeping a keen eye on this friendly clash.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Costa Rica striker Manfred Ugalde will look to continue establishing himself up front after directly contributing to a goal in back-to-back internationals (G1, A1). For Uruguay, the big story in this squad is undoubtedly the inclusion of amateur player Walter DomĂnguez, who has netted 38 times in 19 matches for semi-professional side Juventud Soriano![/p]
[p]Hot streak: Since defeat to Portugal at the World Cup, Uruguay have scored in 13 consecutive matches.[/p]