Previewing the Copa America candidates – Analysing group A: Special Feature (Part 3)
Following our featured coverage on Argentina’s chances and Colombia’s possible progression into the knockout stages in the first and the second part of this series, it is now time to preview http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Costa-c9458 Rica and their squad as well as their weaknesses and strengths going into Copa America as underdogs...
Costa Rica
Underdogs of Group A have to battle with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Japan-c2928 who pulled out due to the devastating damage in the Island nation in light of the earthquakes and the tsunami. Nonetheless, Costa Rica are the dark horses and they are destined to give a surprise or two to their group members.
Unfortunately, Costa Rica have a woeful record in Copa America. They have never made it to the final four teams of the competition which means that they have not made it to the semi-finals of the Copa America. However the Central American nation can take heart from the fact their Under 20 team will be a big part of their squad in Argentina. Costa Rica’s Under 20 contingent finished fourth in the Under 20 FIFA World Cup in 2009 which means that there are some bright prospects in the side.
Additionally, Costa Rica’s first team recently got done with Gold Cup duties in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/America-c38390 therefore it is expected that the squad which will compete in Copa America will be made up of the their Under 20 national team members.
Goalkeepers
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/AZ-c38571 Alkmaar in Eredivisie. Alvarado is a second choice goalkeeper at Alkmaar now but he will play for Costa Rica in the Copa America. The young Costa Rican player is seen as an interesting prospect and if he can produce some stellar performances in Argentina, then some of Europe’s bigger clubs might come calling soon.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Defence-c38904
This is probably the weakest part of Costa Rica’s squad. Heiner Mora, Jhonny Acosta and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Costa-Rica-c2877 will rely on the confidence and the experience that they have gained from Gold Cup when they take the field in Copa America.
Midfield
The midfield region is also plagued with inexperience as far as Costa Rica are concerned. Regardless, the Central American nation will look towards the Copa America tournament as a learning pad for their youngsters which will play in the midfield area. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Guzman-c10493 played in the Gold Cup and now if they get a chance to play against the likes of Pastore and Messi in the Copa America, they will benefit in the long run.
Strikers
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Martinez-c24468 is the best prospect of the three as he impressed in the Under 20 World Cup in 2009. Moreover these three strikers have played with each other regularly in Costa Rica’s own first division which means that they will have good chemistry amongst themselves.
To be continued in part 4...
The views expressed by the writer are his own and do not reflect the editorial policy of www.bettor.com
Tags: