The USA are brimming with confidence before their next showdown against Costa Rica at Utah’s Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy on Thursday.
The hosts notched an impressive win at the CONCACAF Nations League finals against Mexico. They outplayed the bitter rivals 3-2 in the thrilling encounter. It was Champions League hero Christian Pulisic who starred in the Mexico match as well.
With scores 2-2, the USA starlet found back of the net in 114th minute from the penalty spot to clinch the inaugural cup. To say the least, the USA are firm favourites against a low-spirited Costa Rica who haven’t won any of their last five games. They also finished fourth at CONCACAF Nations League after losing out on penalties to third-placed Honduras.
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On head-to-head history, team USA and Costa Rica share almost an equal equation. Both sides have clashed a total of 19 teams, the USA emerged victorious in nine games while Los Ticos clinched eight wins. The remaining two encounters ended in a draw.
The recent game between both sides took place in February 2020, with the USA winning the game 1-0. Ulysses Llanez’s strike in the 50th minute was enough for his side to down Costa Rica.