Costa Rica and Dominican Republic face off at the AT&T Stadium in a Group A clash at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Costa Ricans are aiming to build on their opening win while their rivals will be keen to get their campaign going after a suffering defeat last time out.
Costa Rica head into their second group game brimming with confidence after earning a thrilling 4-3 victory over Suriname. Manfred Ugalde scored a brace of penalties while Alonso Martinez and Josimer Alcocer were also on target.
That win maintains a solid run of form for Costa Rica, who have picked up wins in five of their last six matches. However, the result also highlights some recent defensive frailties for Miguel Herrera’s men, having conceded four goals in their last two matches.
Dominican Republic enter their second group game under pressure after a 3-2 loss to Mexico in the opening fixture. Marcelo Neverleff’s men now need a win in this clash to stay in the tournament.
That result is part of a recent erratic run for Dominican Republic, who have lost two of their last three matches in all competitions. However, the positive for Los Quisqueyanos is that they often show some attacking quality and have scored in eight of their last nine matches.
How the bookies view it: Costa Rica heavily fancied
The bookies have installed Costa Rica as overwhelming favourites, with BoyleSports offering 1/3 for a home win. A victory for Dominican Republic is valued at 6/1 while a draw has been set at odds of 7/2.
Head to head: Costa Rica on top
The only previous meeting between both teams was a friendly in 2013 which ended 4-0 in favour of Costa Rica.
Players to watch: Keep an eye on Ugalde
Ugalde has been the man in form for Costa Rica, scoring three goals in the last three matches in all competitions, including a brace in the opening fixture. He often partners with Alonso Martinez in attack and both men can combine to produce over 1.5 goals – available at odds of 2/5.
Peter Federico has found the net in the last two games for Dominican Republic, including one in the defeat to Mexico. Jimmy Kaparos also features in attack and both men can ensure the team produce over 0.5 goals – valued at 7/10 with BoyleSports.
Probable lineups:
Juan Vargas is out injured for Costa Rica while Brandon Aguilera is considered a doubt. However, Keylor Navas, Ugalde and Martinez are all expected to keep their spots in the line-up.
Dominican Republic have a fully fit squad and could stick with much of the same team that faced Mexico. Kaparos, Federico and Jean Lopez are all expected to feature again.
Costa Rica: Navas, Mora, Cavo, Tristan, Mitchell, Mora, Zamora, Galo, Flores, Ugalde, Martinez
Dominican Republic: Valdez, Urbaez, Pujol, Dollenmayer, Rasario, Lopez, Reyes, Morschel, Romero, Kaparos, Federico
Anything else catch the eye?
Seven of Costa Rica’s last eight matches in all competitions have produced over 2.5 goals, which is valued at 8/13 with BoyleSports. There have been goals for both teams in five of Dominican Republic’s last seven matches and a repeat can be considered here, (BTTS YES at 4/5).
Costa Rica’s impressive attack has seen them score in both halves in four of their last six matches. This clash could be set to produce a similar outcome (Costa Rica to score in both halves at 11/10).
With the Costa Ricans priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, a win and over 2.5 goals can also be an interesting option at Evens.
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