USA faces a tough test tonight, Wednesday June 3, against a Costa Rica squad that has never lost to the Americans on home pitch. The United States have never won, or even earned a draw, in San Jose, losing all five previous competitive matches. World Cup oddsmakers at BetUS.com have Costa Rica as +140 moneyline favs over USA (+165) with a draw listed at +220. Be sure to get your 2010 World Cup Qualifier: USA vs Costa Rica Prediction in now at BetUS.com
USA are on top of the North, Central American and Caribbean Standings with seven points, just one point ahead of second place Costa Rica. They have a 2W-1D-0L record after three qualifying matches played where they’ve outscored their opposition 7-2. The American’s won their first qualifying match over Mexico 2-0 at home thanks to a pair of goals from Michael Bradley. They pulled off a tie to El Salvador 2-2 on the road thanks to a last minute goal from Frankie Hejduk. Their won third qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 on home pitch thanks to a hat trick from Jozy Altidor. Overall USA is 9W-1D-1L in their last 11 international matches where they’ve outscored their opponents 30-5. The United States have never won, or even earned a draw, in San Jose, losing all five previous competitive visits to the Costa Rican capital. However, the Americans have assembled one the best squads in recent memory and are on a ferocious run of form, winning eight of their ten qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.
Costa Rica is just a win away from taking over top spot from the Americans after going 2W-0D-1L in three matches. They beat Honduras 2-0 on home pitch thanks to a pair from Andy Furtado. They lost their second qualifier on the road to Mexico 0-2 and rebounded nicely with a win on home soil over El Salvador 1-0. They’ve outscored their opponents 3-2 in three qualifying matches and they are 9W-1D-1L in their last 11 international matches where they’ve outscored their opponents 28-5. The Costa Ricans squad has undergone an astonishing revival since the appointment of coach Rodrigo Kenton and are playing some of their finest football in years. Under former junior coach Kenton they’ve turned to youth with the likes of Brian Ruiz and Celso Borges playing critical roles. However, talismanic captain Walter Centeno, is the veteran in the middle, and the playmaker in this youthful squad. "The coach has given me a leadership role within the squad, and that means I always have to be motivated, very enthusiastic and show a lot of wisdom. There was more experience in previous national teams but we're in a new era now. These are young guys who are doing very well."
2010 World Cup Qualifier: USA vs Costa Rica
When: Wed, June 3, 2009 10:00 PM ET
Line: BetUS.com
Pick: Draw +220
Point-Speads.com 2010 World Cup Qualifier: USA vs Costa Rica
The Bottom Line: Costa Rica has never lost on home soil to the USA, but the Americans have a better squad then previous matches and a draw would be their best finish. Be sure to get your 2010 World Cup Qualifier: USA vs Costa Rica Prediction in now at BetUS.com
