In the early hours of Wednesday, Costa Rica and Paraguay meet in their Group D game of the Copa America.
Costa RicaAfter kicking off their Group D campaign with a surprise goalless draw against one of the tournament favourites, Brazil, they then suffered a 3-0 defeat by Colombia.
The defeat means that Los Ticos would need Brazil to lose to Colombia in the other game and a big swing in the goal difference. The scenario seems unlikely, but Gustavo Alfaro’s team will just have to try their best to achieve a result and hope for the best.
Costa Rica has yet to score at the Copa America 2024, which does not bode well for their ability to pull off the almost impossible. In fact, the Central American country has been goal-shy in recent Copa tournaments, having scored just twice in their last six outings in the competition.
ParaguayLos Guaranies have endured a poor campaign. They lost 2-1 to Colombia before suffering a 4-1 hammering at the hands of Brazil. Both defeats were not surprising, considering that their two opponents are among the continent's best teams.
The back-to-back defeats mean that Paraguay can no longer make it to the competition's quarter-finals.
Daniel Garnero’s team has a poor recent international record. They have won just one of their previous six matches, suffered four defeats, and picked up one draw.
Although their most recent games have been high-scoring, Paraguay’s games have been relatively low-scoring, with nine of their last 12 games producing under 2.5 goals.
Paraguay has struggled for wins in recent Copa America tournaments, having won just two of their last 16 games while failing to win in four outings at the Copa.
What am I backing?Realistically, neither team has much to play for in this encounter. I am expecting a drab and low-scoring affair. The bet I am backing is under 2.5 goals scored.
