The third stage of World Cup qualification begins on Saturday, September 6, with Nicaragua facing Costa Rica. Here’s an overview of both teams and a prediction for the match.
Match Preview:
Nicaragua performed well in the second stage of North American qualification, earning 9 points over four matches. Their only loss came from a 0-3 defeat to Panama in June, while they secured wins against Guyana, Montserrat, and Belize, with a combined score of 9-1. However, during the 2025 Gold Cup, Nicaragua faced two consecutive 0-1 losses to Guadeloupe, both at home and away.
The Nicaraguan team tends to focus on a solid defensive strategy with limited offensive action. They rely on long passes and set pieces, but their attacking capability is often lacking, which remains a weak point.
Costa Rica enters the match with confidence after a strong performance in the 2025 Gold Cup. They advanced from the group stage with wins over Suriname and the Dominican Republic, and a draw against Mexico, finishing second in their group. In the quarterfinals, they were eliminated by the USA in a penalty shootout, a match that generated a lot of excitement. Coach Miguel Herrera has put together a strong team, mixing experienced players like Keylor Navas and Francisco Calvo with younger prospects from European leagues. Costa Rica also excelled in the second stage of World Cup qualifying, winning all group matches with a total score of 17-1.
The team is known for their practical style of play—tight defense with quick attacks, emphasizing dynamic wing play. They typically use a 5-3-2 formation, where full-backs contribute to both defense and offense. Their tactical approach is adaptable, employing strategies from deep defensive setups to aggressive pressing and quick transitions.
Probable Lineups:
- Nicaragua: Rodriguez, Quijano, Reyes, Cano, Azevedo, Coronel, Barrera, Areus, Arteaga, Smith, Siorchiari.
- Costa Rica: Navas, Mora, Mitchell, Vargas, Calvo, Mora J, Alcocer, Galo, Zamora, Ugalde, Martinez.
Head-to-Head and Key Facts:
- Costa Rica has won four of the last five matchups, with one draw.
- Costa Rica won four of their last six matches.
- In four of Nicaragua’s last five games, fewer than three goals were scored.
Nicaragua vs Costa Rica Prediction:
Costa Rica appears to be the favorite in this match as they begin the third qualifying phase and need all three points. In their previous five encounters, Nicaragua has not scored against Keylor Navas. My prediction: Costa Rica to win at 1.75.
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