Getty Michael Bradley joined the USMNT roster before the quarterfinal round.
The semifinals of this year’s Gold Cup lined up as predicted, as USA and Costa Rica meet for a spot in the final.
Here are the latest odds from Bovada:
USA vs. Costa Rica Odds
Spread: USA -.5 (-105), Mexico +.5 (-120)
Moneyline: USA -105, Costa Rica +320, Draw +220
Total: Over 2 (-115), Under 2 (-110)
Prediction:
If Costa Rica want the upset and their first final appearance since 2002, they’ll need to step up the offense. Los Ticos failed to score in their quarterfinal match against Panama, but an own goal in the second half gave the 1-0 edge to advance. Costa Rica has looked shaky but is ultimately unbeaten so far at Gold Cup, relying on a defense that has surrendered just one goal in four matches.
USMNT have been similarly disappointing, but Bruce Arena has called in veteran support to chase the Cup. Those veterans came in handy in the quarterfinals, as Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard had a significant impact on the team’s 2-0 victory over El Salvador.
With the Cup in sight, the Americans don’t need much extra motivation. But Costa Rica did hand the Americans a brutal 4-0 defeat in World Cup qualifying in November, sinking USMNT down the CONCACAF standings.
Costa Rica will play tough defensive football, but this match is a complete toss-up. It’s tough to gauge the skill levels as both teams have played incomplete football over the last two weeks. The edge goes to the Americans with their added veteran support, but those same veterans were on hand for the four-goal beatdown. That has to stand out in the minds of Michael Bradley and Co., who should step up and grind out a physical win Saturday night.
Prediction: 1-0 USA
Best Bet: Under 2 (-110)