Colombia vs Costa Rica Prediction: Copa America 2024

We reach round two of the 2024 Copa America group stage and our South American expert Nathan Joyes returns for his early bird Colombia vs Costa Rica prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

Colombia impressed with an opening 2-1 win over Paraguay which puts them top of Group D ahead of Brazil, who were held to a 0-0 draw by their next opponents, Costa Rica. Will Colombia come unstuck against the CONCACAF nation as well? 

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• Colombia vs Costa Rica Tip 1: Colombia and under 3.5 goals

• Colombia vs Costa Rica Tip 2: Luis Diaz to score anytime
• Colombia vs Costa Rica Tip 3: BTTS No and under 3.5 goals

Colombia vs Costa Rica Prediction 1: First place up for grabs

USA, Copa America, Wednesday, June 26th, 23:00 (UK)

Colombia have a huge incentive to go and beat Costa Rica and finish top of Group D after Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw against the CONCACAF nation.

A solid first half performance saw not one but two Crystal Palace players get on the scoresheet for the most in-form nation on the planet right now.

Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma’s headers were put away after two special deliveries from James Rodriguez, who appeared to roll back the years with his eye-catching performance. Sadly no “Bond, James Rodriguez headlines” here, but it could have been 2014 last night the way in which he operated around the final third.

Paraguay fought back to score through Brighton’s Julio Enciso, who was their main threat all night, but overall Colombia would have been happy with their defensive performance.

Brazil lacked a cutting edge against Costa Rica, but chose not to press them when out of possession. Colombia are a team that will almost certainly press high and make life difficult for their opponents, who thrive off winning the ball back in dangerous areas.

Failing that, they have a cheat code with Rodriguez. His crosses/set pieces are going to be their (not so) secret weapon at Copa America, and with options in the box, this gives Colombia another dimension to work with.

• Colombia vs Costa Rica Prediction 1: Colombia and under 3.5 goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.95
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Colombia vs Costa Rica Prediction 2: Diaz looking dangerous

The one word to describe Luis Diaz’s performance against Paraguay was fun. The Liverpool forward treated us to impressive footwork and tricks down the left hand side, looking to weave his way into the box when he could.

In fairness, Paraguay restricted him to just two shots, but it appeared to be more of a “hug the touchline” kind of game for Diaz, attempting to stretch their deep lying defence in the first half.

Against Costa Rica, expect a more direct approach from Diaz. Up against Herediano’s Haxzel Quiros and 19-year-old Jeyland Mitchell from Alajuelense on the right-hand side, Diaz will be looking to cut inside on to his favoured foot, but he has shown a willingness to drive through on his left, adding more unpredictability to his game.

Brazil’s Rodrygo found plenty of space in behind Costa Rica’s defence, and Diaz can replicate that – with more success – for Colombia.

• Colombia vs Costa Rica Prediction 2: Luis Diaz to score anytime
• Best Odds: 2.20
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 5/10

Colombia vs Costa Rica Prediction 3: Heatwave a factor

Another fixture in the middle of the day in Arizona means it will be boiling hot with temperatures 40 degrees plus. 

Colombia’s high-press may be implemented to try and catch Costa Rica out or force them into mistakes, but they won’t be able to maintain that throughout the 90 minutes.

Costa Rica offered little to nothing against Brazil in front of goal. With just one corner, three shots and an xG of 0.03, it doesn’t look likely that they will have too many opportunities to trouble Colombia’s defence.

Although they scored against Argentina in a warm up match, Manfred Ugalde couldn’t believe his luck when the ball rebounded to him with almost an empty net to aim at. Then, Costa Rica didn’t manage to score against a Uruguay side largely made up of reserve players.

In a competitive fixture, and with Colombia chasing top spot in Group D, it’ll be a huge shock if they get on the scoresheet and claim any points.

• Colombia vs Costa Rica Prediction 3: BTTS No and under 3.5 goals (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.77
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Colombia vs Costa Rica Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:20, June 25th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Colombia vs Costa Rica Team News and Possible Lineups: James Rodriguez the key

Brazil struggled to unlock Costa Rica’s defence and Colombia will be aware of Costa Rica’s defensive qualities heading into their clash. Although Colombia have plenty of pace on either wing with Fluminense’s Jhon Arias and Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, it’s their main no.10 in the heart of the midfield who can prove to be the difference.

James Rodriguez has barely kicked a ball for Sao Paulo in 2024, but he’s still very much the key piece in this Colombian side. Dangerous from set pieces and with the ability to unlock his fast paced wingers, the 32-year-old may be the difference on the night once again.

Colombia possible starting lineup:
Vargas; Mojica, Lucumi, Sanchez, Munoz, Lerma, Rios, Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz, Borre

Costa Rica possible starting lineup:
  Sequeira; Lassiter, Calvo, Vargas, Mitchell, Quiros, Gaio, Brenes, Aguilera, Zamora, Ugalde

Copa America Match Stats: Colombia on fire

• Colombia are currently enjoying a 24 match unbeaten run, the longest in international football at present.
• Colombia has won four of the last five head-to-heads, the last back in 2018 (3-1).
• James Rodriguez was the star of the show against Paraguay with his two first half assists.

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