The next goal either the United States or Costa Rica score in Copa America will be their first. Neither one got off to an ideal start in Group A of this tournament over the weekend, and all will be left to play for in what should be a pressure-packed night in the Windy City for both teams.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
United States -118
Costa Rica +375
Draw +245
Over/Under 2 (over -125)
ODDS ANALYSIS
After both of these teams struggled mightily offensively in their first match at Copa America, it isn't a surprise that the total in this one is quite low at 2 and -125 vig on the over.
The United States is going to be looked upon as the public team of these two for sure. The Yanks are -118 moneyline favorites, and they really need this match after losing against Colombia in the opening fixture of the tournament.
TOURNAMENT UPDATE
For as bad of a first night of this tournament as the Americans had, they got a bit of a favor the next day in Orlando when Costa Rica and Paraguay played to a scoreless draw in which neither team looked good at all.
Yes, the United States sits at the bottom of Group A without a point, but with Colombia expected to get three points from Paraguay in a match held later on Tuesday night, even a point will keep the Americans in a position where they can control their own destiny in their last match against the Paraguayans over the weekend.
LIVE BETTING
Jurgen Klinsmann really thinks that the Americans played a respectable match against the Colombians. We're not sure what he was watching. The United States was never on the same plane as Colombia, and though the final score line might've been a little more lopsided than you'd think, there's no way the U.S. deserved a point.
The key for live bettors is going to be figuring out how to stay organized at the back. Costa Rica didn't show much going forward against Paraguay on Saturday, but Bryan Ruiz should have himself some more opportunities. John Brooks, DeAndre Yedlin and company at the back for the Americans were awful against Colombia, and though there wasn't much Brad Guzan could do against either of the goals allowed (particularly the penalty kick), it's not like he had a good match.
QUICK PICK
The Americans have to be really, really careful in this fixture. Keep a close eye on their formation. We can't stand the 4-3-3 they played against Colombia in the first half before switching up to a more conventional 4-4-2 at the end of the match when the offense needed to open things up. If Darlington Nagbe and Christian Pulisic, both of which were entered as subs in the second half, get a chance to play in this one, we'd feel a little better about the chances of the Americans to get three points.
As it is though, we're a little worried. Costa Rica won't have Kendall Waston at the back after he picked up a red card against Paraguay, but he wasn't the strongest man at the back on Saturday and probably won't be missed. With five defenders at the back, there's a real chance that Los Ticos can frustrate the Americans up top. Can the Stars and Stripes successfully play a tactical match and break down a strong defense? Paraguay couldn't. We're not sure the United States can either. This could be the second straight scoreless match for Costa Rica, and we'd bet it would take that night in Chicago.
As far as the United States? There's going to be a heck of a lot of pressure on it during that match against Paraguay, and it might decide whether Klinsmann keeps his job or not.
Copa America Odds: United States 0, Costa Rica 0
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The fixture between the United States and Costa Rica is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at 8:00 p.m. ET at Soldier Field. The match will be televised live on FOX Sports 1.
