PARAGUAY are only playing for pride as they face Costa Rica in their final Group D fixture at the Copa America. Costa Rica still have a slim chance of progressing but with the Paraguayans looking to avoid exiting empty-handed, both teams could be set to cancel each other out.
Costa Rica are coming off a disappointing 3-0 defeat in their previous Group D fixture. They were second best throughout the encounter and failed to muster a single attempt on target.
The result means Costa Rica are without a win or a goal after two matches having begun their campaign with a 0-0 draw with Brazil. The good news for Gustavo Alfaro’s side is that there is still a slim chance of reaching the round of 16, although it is dependent on the result in the other group fixture.
It has been a disappointing Copa America campaign for Paraguay, who have now crashed out of the competition. Daniel Garnero’s men have lost their two matches so far and are only playing for pride on Wednesday.
Paraguay were particularly disappointing in their previous fixture as they were beaten 4-1 by Brazil. They will be desperate not to leave the US empty-handed and will use that defeat as motivation on Wednesday.
How the bookies view it: Leaning heavily Paraguay
Paraguay have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 19/20 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Costa Rica is valued at 5/2 while Betfred is offering odds of 11/5 for a draw.
Head to head: Evenly matched rivals
Costa Rica and Paraguay have two wins each and as many draws from six previous matches. The draws have come in the last two meetings, including a 0-0 scoreline during the 2016 Copa America.
Players to watch: Enciso to star again
Julio Enciso has been one of the shining lights for Paraguay in a disappointing campaign and will be the one to watch on Wednesday. The attacker was on target against Colombia and is priced at 3/1 by Betfred.
Veteran forward Joel Campbell could be given the nod in attack with Costa Rica looking to solve their attacking problems with some experience. He could be worth keeping an eye on at 4/1 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Joel Campbell was a second half substitute for Costa Rica last time out and could be handed the start ahead of Manfred Ugalde Brandon Aguilera is likely to retain his place in midfield.
Paraguay will be without Adrian Cubas, who was shown a red card last time out. Hernesto Caballero is likely to feature in his place while Adam Bareiro is also pushing for a start after coming off the bench against Colombia.
Costa Rica: Sequeira, Mitchell, Vargas, Calvo, Quiros, Galo, Aguilera, Lassiter, Zamora, Madrigal, Campbell
Paraguay: Morinigo, Espinoza, Alderete, Balbuena, Velazquez, Villasanti, Caballero, Almiron, Enciso, Sosa, Bareiro
Anything else catch the eye?
Costa Rica and Paraguay have shown very little defensive solidity in this competition and both teams could be backed to score at evens with Betfred. There has been a number of late showings in this group, so the second half could be tipped to produce more goals at 11/10 with Betfred.
With a closely fought encounter expected on Wednesday, a halftime draw could be in the cards at evens with Betfred.
This Copa America match between Costa Rica and Paraguay will be played on Jul 3, 2024 and kick off at 02:00. Check below for our tipsters best Costa Rica vs Paraguay prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
