The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) is set to take on Costa Rica this Sunday in the Gold Cup Quarterfinals. The US team performed well in the group stage, finishing first in Group D with nine points, including a 2-1 victory over Haiti on June 22. In contrast, Costa Rica secured a second-place finish in Group A with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss, ending with a goal difference of +2 and seven total points.
The match will kick off at 7 PM at US Bank Stadium in Minnesota. The USMNT has odds of -170 (betting $170 to win $100), making them favorites, while Costa Rica stands as the underdog at +500. According to Draft Kings Sportsbook, the latest odds for this clash have the USMNT at +285, with a total over/under set at 2.5 goals. For those looking for expert insights, Sportsline’s John "Bucket" Aimer has made predictions worth considering.
Aimer has extensive betting knowledge, having previously covered leagues including the English Premier League and Serie A. As a Sportsline soccer expert, he has an impressive record of 248-234-12 (+25.93 units) on his article picks for 2023. His current analysis for the USMNT vs. Costa Rica match is expected to be valuable, highlighting his successful betting history across various platforms.
Why the USMNT could win: The US team has been on a scoring spree, netting goals in all three of their group matches, with five players contributing to this tally. They have a strong record against Costa Rica, winning four of their last five encounters. Midfielder Mariktilman has been particularly effective, scoring three goals from five shots, while forward Patrick Aggieman has also made a significant impact with two goals this tournament.
Why Costa Rica could win: Leading the Costa Rican attack is forward Man Fred Ugard, who tops the team’s scoring chart with three goals and has been instrumental in their offensive plays. Additionally, allies like Josimar Alcoser and Alonso Martinez provide further depth, making Costa Rica a formidable opponent. They’ve demonstrated their scoring capability with a total of seven goals in the tournament, showcasing their offensive potential.
For those interested in Aimer’s detailed analysis and selections, more information can be found on Sportsline, where you can also take advantage of FanDuel or DraftKings promo codes.
Fan Take: This matchup is crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the semifinals, and a strong performance from the USMNT could signify their potential in future international tournaments. For soccer fans, witnessing this clash will not only be exciting but will also shape the narrative of the Gold Cup and the ongoing evolution of football in North America.