It just wasn't supposed to be this way for either Costa Rica or Mexico. Most figured that these two were going to end up meeting in the semifinals or perhaps even the finals of the Gold Cup, but after each struggled in group play, they're subjected to going through each other now in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Mexicans are understandably amongst the powerhouses of this tournament in spite of the fact that they haven't looked the part at times, and they are odds on favorites as a result in this fixture.
El Tri is laying -110 vig on the three-way line, essentially making it a 50/50 proposition as to whether it will win or end up with any other result from that.
The total is rather average by competition standards at 2.5, and the vig on the under is high at -150.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We didn't do what we were doing before, especially in the second half. There were a lot of mistakes. We committed a lot of mistakes in the second half. We didn't manage the game well, but we were doing it in the first half. After the second goal, we stopped playing. We made careless mistakes." – Mexico manager Miguel Herrera on his team's performance in a 4-4 draw against Trinidad & Tobago in the final group stage match in Group C
RECENT FORM
Clearly, these two teams only have themselves to blame for not winning their groups in the Gold Cup, and this is why they are going to have to play against each other now.
Mexico faltered badly in the second half against Trinidad & Tobago, allowing four goals in what finished as a 4-4 draw. El Tri was up 2-0 and 4-3 in the match, blowing each advantage and even falling behind 3-2.
Prior to that, Mexico drew Guatemala 0-0 and crushed Cuba 6-0.
Costa Rica still doesn't look like it has its footing about it. The Ticos drew all three of their group stage matches, and the only one of the three you could really make an argument could have been won was the opener against Jamaica which more or less set the tone for the rest of the Gold Cup.
Keep in mind that these two teams are only a month removed from a 2-2 draw in Orlando in a friendly match. Neither side is going to be intimidated by the prospects of playing against the other.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Mexico has some real problems here. Costa Rica has long been a thorn in its side, and that 2-2 match in Orlando was only a continuation of those struggles.
The Ticos have a lot of speed they can use to bring the ball forward. Bryan Ruiz is a great playmaker on and off of the ball, and it's only a matter of time until he and his mates get back to the form which they were in for the World Cup two years ago.
Mexico's defense has looked slow and sluggish throughout this tournament, and Herrera is also going to have to come up with an answer to losing Giovani Dos Santos from his midfield due to injury. Remember that "Chicharito" Hernandez isn't playing either for the Mexicans, which now robs them of two of their best offensive players.
If the Mexico offense isn't right and the defense is again off the pace in this match, this could be a bloody match for Herrera. He's on the hottest of seats right now in the entire world, and he knows that losing this match would be his last with the squad.
We suggest getting a resume ready.
Costa Rica 2, Mexico 1
BookMaker has live Gold Cup odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Mexico opened as a -110 favorite. The first offering of the total came in at 2.5 (under -150). Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between Mexico and Costa Rica will take place on Sunday, July 19, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
