Copa América Centenario: U.S.-Costa Rica keys and storylines
At some point, the game will likely open up more, because both teams absolutely need a win. When it becomes a matchup of desire, the U.S. must take advantage. Even with the many changes Klinsmann has enacted as head coach, the Americans still get a little something extra from having their backs against the wall.
United States vs. Costa Rica, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time at Soldier Field, Chicago
TV: Fox Sports 1 (English), UniMás and Univision Deportes (Spanish)
Radio: Fútbol de Primera (Spanish), including (as far as I know) WEMG 1310-AM "La Mega" in the Philadelphia region
Streaming: Fox Sports Go (free with participating TV provider authentication), Fox Soccer 2 Go (paid subscription), Univision Deportes (free with participating TV provider authentication)
FIFA Rankings: Costa Rica 23, United States 31
How they will play it
United States
Head coach Jurgen Klinsmann didn't give much away during his pregame press conference on Monday, but he Indicated that he might not change the lineup he used in Friday's 2-0 loss to Colombia. A key hint was praise for the forward trio of wide men Bobby Wood and Gyasi Zardes and striker Clint Dempsey. "I'm satisfied with all three of them in their different roles," Klinsmann said. "Hopefully they continue that fine-tuning element, getting better working off each other."
When asked what playmaker Darlington Nagbe needs to do to get more minutes, Klinsmann said: "He has to learn how to find solutions dealing with far tighter space than he is used to... Give him some time and I'm very positive he will figure out." Considering that Nagbe is one of the most creative players on the U.S. roster, casting the 25-year-old as a player for the future seems a clear judgment of his talent.
Though the offense didn't produce goals, the defensive effort was strong. Yes, the Americans conceded twice, but one was a penalty kick. The back four of (from left to right) Fabian Johnson, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron and DeAndre Yedlin should remain the same.
Costa Rica
The Ticos are renowned for playing a defense-first style that starts with five players on the back line. Expect even more of an emphasis on keeping numbers back since towering centerback Kendall Waston is suspended for this game. A star for Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps, he was red-carded in the final minutes of Saturday's scoreless tie with Paraguay for a reckless challenge.
Not having Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas due to a pre-tournament injury is a big loss, but backup Patrick Pemberton is no slouch. The 34-year-old has played in plenty of big games for the Ticos, including World Cup qualifiers and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The Ticos' offense thrives on the counter-attack, and has serious firepower in Celso Borges, Sporting Lisbon's Bryan Ruiz and Arsenal's Joel Campbell. Bench options include two men who play in MLS: Montreal's Johan Venegas and Vancouver's Christian Bolaños.
Intangibles
Expect the United States to have more of a home field advantage in this game than they did against Colombia, whose fans dominated the atmosphere in Santa Clara (though if the U.S. had been in the game more, the vibe might have been more bipartisan).
Breaking down Costa Rica's defense will be a mental challenge as much of a physical one. Who will be tasked with finding the right holes to run through in that back line? And who will be tasked with finding the right passes to those runners?
At some point, the game will likely open up more, because both teams absolutely need a win. When it becomes a matchup of desire, the U.S. must take advantage. Even with the many changes Klinsmann has enacted as head coach, the Americans still get a little something extra from having their backs against the wall.