As Costa Rica and Uruguay prepare for a friendly clash at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica on Friday night, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how these two teams will fare.
Here’s an in-depth look at the upcoming match, including predictions, team news, and recent form.
Match Preview
Costa Rica hosts Uruguay in a Copa America tune-up game, hoping to build momentum ahead of their opener against Brazil on June 25.
Despite a rocky start under new coach Gustavo Alfaro, Costa Rica has shown signs of improvement with recent wins against El Salvador and Honduras.
Uruguay, managed by interim Under-20 manager Diego Perez, will field a local team as head coach Marcelo Bielsa focuses on preparing his main squad for future competitions.
Uruguay’s last match ended in a 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in March, adding pressure to secure a positive result in this friendly.
Recent Form
Costa Rica
Last Six Matches: LLLWWL
Costa Rica has had a mixed run of form recently, with notable victories against El Salvador (2-0) and Honduras (3-1).
However, they suffered a heavy 3-1 loss to Argentina in March.
Uruguay
Last Six Matches: DWWWDL
Uruguay has displayed solid form, winning three of their last six matches. They scored consistently, except in a 2-0 loss to Portugal in the 2022 World Cup.
Team News
Costa Rica
Costa Rica will likely rely on their regular starters, with Steven Cardenas expected to lead the attack.
Jefferson Brenes and Orlando Galo might start in midfield, flanked by Warren Madrigal and Alvaro Zamora.
The absence of Keylor Navas, who recently retired from international football, means Esteban Alvarado will likely start in goal.
Probable Starting XI: Chamorro; Taylor, Faerron, Sequeira, Calvo, Mora; Madrigal, Galo, Brenes, Zamora; Ugalde
Uruguay
Uruguay's squad will miss key players like Sergio Araujo, Jose Maria Gimenez, Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Darwin Nunez.
Federico Valverde is also unavailable due to Champions League commitments with Real Madrid. This match will feature local players seeking international experience.
Probable Starting XI: Silveira; Furtado, Allala, Brasil, Teuten; Bernal, Cartagena, Amado; Acosta, Damiani, Gomez
Prediction
Considering Uruguay's understrength squad and Costa Rica's determination to impress ahead of the Copa America, Costa Rica is tipped to edge out a victory.
Our Prediction: Costa Rica 2-1 Uruguay
Costa Rica 
Uruguay 
