CONCACAF Nations League | Quarter-Finals | 1st Leg

Nov 15, 2024 at 2am UK

Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica

Costa Ricavs.Panama

Match preview

Just under 12 months ago, Costa Rica reached this stage of the competition only to be thrashed 6-1 on aggregate by their future opponents.

Since then, however, they have gone on a run of just two defeats in 13 matches, both against Argentina and Colombia.

A goalless draw with Brazil at the Copa America is the standout result, while the Tricolor have since gone on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Four of those games have been played with Claudio Vivas in charge, with his side picking up eight points from their four group games.

Last time out, Costa Rica recorded a 3-0 win over Guatemala, giving them a chance to avenge their 2023 defeat in the last eight.

Panama have faced far tougher opposition than Costa Rica over the past 12 months, a factor that has contributed to their seven defeats in 11 matches.

However, they have taken some scalps in that time, with victories over the United States and Bolivia in the Copa America.

However, nine goals have been conceded in their last three outings, including a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the USA last month.

That was followed by a 2-1 loss to Canada, also in a friendly, and Thomas Christiansen will be keen to prevent the Canal Boys from extending their worst run of form in two years.

Recent Performance

Costa Rica CONCACAF Nations League form:WDDW

Costa Rica form (all competitions):LWWDDW

Panama form (all competitions):LWWLLL

Team News

With every Costa Rican player who started the 3-0 win over Guatemala in the squad, Vivas could well select the same side if he decides to stick with a 4-4-2 formation.

However, Joel Campbell is the obvious option to return to the side, possibly as a replacement for Alonso Martinez, who is without a goal in 17 international appearances.

Kenneth Vargas scored his first Costa Rica goal last time out and will be hoping to retain his place on the right flank.

Christiansen will have to make at least one change to his Panama XI, with Freddy Gondola unavailable for this fixture.

Ismael Diaz is in line to be named as a substitute, while the rest of the team will remain unchanged.

Possible starting lineup

Costa Rica possible starting lineup:

Sequeira; Quiros, Mitchell, J.Vargas, Calvo; K.Vargas, Aguilera, Bran, Madrigal; Martinez, Ugalde

Panama possible starting lineup:

Mosquera; Harvey, Escobar, Ramos; Anderson, Godoy, Ayarza, Barcenas; Lenis, Fajardo, Diaz