Group D of the 2024 Copa America starts its second matchday and things are already hotting up.
In Phoenix, Colombia must face the difficult task of picking Costa Rica’s defensive lock if they want to set foot in the quarterfinals. They underlined their credentials against Paraguay with a 2-1 win in their opening fixture, adding to an already very long streak of games without defeat, making it clear that they are contenders at this Copa America.
For their part, Gustavo Alfaro’s Costa Rica pulled off another of their defensive feats to hold Brazil to a 0-0 draw in their opening match. Nobody can deny the enthusiasm of the Central American nation, although they remain outsiders among the oddsmakers for this meeting.
Colombia are priced at -275 to win this game, while Costa Rica are at +825 to win. The draw is at +380.
The Sporting News runs through predictions and best bets for this clash in Arizona.
Colombia vs. Costa Rica prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean:Â Colombia (-275)
- Score prediction:Â Colombia 2-0 Costa Rica
Colombia vs. Costa Rica match facts
- Date:Â Friday, June 28, 2024
- Kickoff time:Â 3 p.m. local (6 p.m. ET)
- Location:Â State Farm Stadium (Phoenix, Arizona)
- Referee:Â Gustavo Tejera (URU)
- Last meeting:Â Colombia 3-1 Costa Rica (Oct. 16, 2018 | International friendly)
Colombia vs. Costa Rica best bet
- Pick:Â Colombia to win to nil
- Odds:Â -110 (BetMGM)
Colombia are an attacking force masterminded by James Rodriguez, with an arrow down the left wing in Luis Diaz and midfielders who break lines to arrive in goal-scoring positions. Under coach Nestor Lorenzo, they have scored 40 goals and conceded just 15.
If Colombia manage to breach the Costa Rica defensive wall quickly, it could be a one-sided meeting.
Colombia vs. Costa Rica prop bet
- Pick:Â Luis Diaz to score and Colombia to win
- Odds:Â +210 (BetMGM)
Against Colombia’s overwhelming attack will be an opposition defence that sits in a low block. Costa Rica faced 19 shots in their opening game against Brazil, two of which hit the woodwork, while the Selecao had a goal disallowed by millimeters.
Key to breaching this defence could be Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, whose pace is likely to be pivotal. Backing him to score and Colombia to see out another win seems prudent.