Preview: Costa Rica must win for a slim chance, while Paraguay fights for honor in Copa América

On the morning of July 3rd, at 9 AM, Group D of the Copa América will see Costa Rica face off against Paraguay.

Costa Rica, currently ranked 52nd in the world, is a team with a long-standing reputation, despite its modest ranking. They have often shown great performance in various tournaments. In their opening match of this Copa América, they held Brazil to a surprising 0-0 draw, but then lost 0-3 to Colombia, leaving their qualification prospects hanging by a thread.

After two matches, the team has yet to score a goal while conceding three, amassing just one point. Second-placed Brazil has four points and a goal difference of +3, whereas Costa Rica’s goal difference stands at -3. For Costa Rica to advance, victory in their final match is essential, and they’ll also need favorable results from the Colombia vs. Brazil fixture. With a six-goal gap to bridge and considering the disparity in strength between the teams, their chances of progression are now largely theoretical.

Paraguay, ranked 56th, has seen better days. The team has twice lifted the Copa América trophy and finished as runners-up five times, though those accomplishments date back several decades. Currently, they’re struggling, having already been eliminated from the Copa América and with a poor record in the World Cup South American qualifiers (1 win, 2 draws, and 3 losses), sitting seventh in the standings.

In the Copa América so far, Paraguay lost 1-2 to Colombia and 1-4 to Brazil, leaving them pointless and at the bottom of their group. Their last match will be a battle for pride. Unlike Costa Rica, Paraguay has scored in both their defeats, indicating a certain attacking prowess that boosts their confidence despite being outplayed.

In Group D, Colombia leads with two wins, Brazil follows with four points, Costa Rica has one point in third, and Paraguay is at the bottom with none. Ahead of the final round, suspense remains, as a big Costa Rican win combined with a heavy defeat for Brazil could potentially lead to an upset elimination for the tournament favorites.

The historical record between Costa Rica and Paraguay shows one victory apiece and two draws in four encounters. Their last meeting was a 0-0 stalemate in the 2016 Copa América. Given their comparable track record and rankings, it seems unlikely for either side to dominate significantly in their upcoming clash.

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