In a very decisive match, Mexico will face Costa Rica in San Jose on Saturday for the World Cup Qualifier of the CONCACAF. The game, the first that Mexico plays in San Jose for this year’s World Cup qualification, is an important one. Costa Rica is just three points ahead of El Tri; if the Mexicans win the match, they can equalize the score, while if Los Ticos win, they will gain a lead on Mexico and maintain first place in the standings.

The first encounter between Mexico and Costa Rica occurred in El Tri’s home territory, with the Mexicans winning 2-1 in a game that showed lackluster performances for both teams. While the hexagonal moved on, El Tri has only been improving. With three different coaches recently, the squad has finally found its balance with the most recent, Javier Aguirre. The team is improving in every area and eliminating its weaknesses. El Tri have been working hard and are focused on gaining the three points they need to improve in the standings.

Although Mexico has won or taken draws in all of the games at home, the team still hasn’t won a game as a visitor since the qualifications started. As a result, El Tri stand at third place and are in a dangerous position; the team cannot lose any other game or it will drop significantly in the standings.

Costa Rica faces a similarly difficult position. Although the team roster has remained largely stable, coach Rodrigo Kenton made several defensive changes after a humiliating loss against Honduras that might have put the team’s position in jeopardy.

Costa Rica may have won almost all of its games and enjoy first place in the standings, but the team will still have to battle on Saturday against El Tri. And with Los Ticos captain Walter Centeno suffering an injury, it is not certain whether the team leader will play. As an experienced veteran and a key midfielder for the Costa Rican squad, Centeno, if he is absent, will force an arduous battle for Los Ticos, indeed.

But not all is bad news for Los Ticos; Bryan Ruiz, who plays for the Twente of Holland, will be joining Costa Rica on Saturday. The striker, who did not play against Honduras, holds high hopes for his team. Although he acknowledged that Saturday’s game would be a difficult one, he also said that a win would almost guarantee Los Ticos a spot in the World Cup.

“We mustn't lose points at home but it's going to be very difficult,” Ruiz said. "Mexico started badly but since the arrival of Aguirre they've come back well and are getting better all the time. We all know their experience in these sorts of matches. We'll need to be focused, united and above all effective in front of goal. We'll have to put our chances away."

But, he went on to say: “If we win the next two matches, I think we’ll be certain of going to the World Cup,” the striker stated.

About the Author

Audrey Nolan is a top senior copy writer for the International Soccer games as well as the sports betting industry.
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