The race to qualify for the 2022 World Cup continues in the CONCACAF region and on the 30th of January we have a meeting between Mexico and Costa Rica.
The match will be played at the impressive Estadio Azteca, Mexico City and the hosts begin this round of fixtures third in third place on 17 points while the visitors are in fifth place on 12 points.
Good night, Incondicionales. 😴🇲🇽💚#HechoDeLosMexicanos | #FMFporNuestroFútbol pic.twitter.com/cKUlwMp0jn— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) January 28, 2022
Good night, Incondicionales. 😴🇲🇽💚#HechoDeLosMexicanos | #FMFporNuestroFútbol pic.twitter.com/cKUlwMp0jn
Mexico come into the game having defeated Jamaica 2-1 away from home on Thursday. Mexico fell a goal behind after 50 minutes but did not give up and scored the equalising goal in the 81st minute.
Just two minutes later, Mexico scored their second goal of the game to turn things around and take maximum points.
It was an important victory for Mexico who were struggling to win matches. It was the first victory for Mexico in their last 5 games in all competitions. Having lost away from home against fellow qualification contenders United States and Canada, Mexico were held at home in a friendly by Chile.
Mexico are particularly impressive when playing at home and they are undefeated in their last 16 home World Cup qualifying matches.
They have won 4 of their last 5, including wins over Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Honduras. Trends show Mexico have scored 2 more goals in 8 of their 12 most recent World Cup qualifying games on home soil.
Costa Rica make the trip to the Estadio Azteca knowing they cannot afford to drop any more points if they are to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
They come into the match on the back of an important 1-0 home win over Panama on Thursday. Costa Rica scored the only goal of the game in the 65th minute and that result moves them to within 2 points of Panama in fourth place.
Costa Rica have won each of their last 2 World Cup qualifying fixtures including a 2-1 home win over Honduras. However, their away record in World Cup qualifying is poor and Costa Rica have failed to win any of their 5 most recent away games and have recorded just one win from their last 8 on the road.
Trends show Costa Rica have failed to score a goal in 3 of their last 4 away World Cup qualifying matches.
Team news and Mexico could bring in Henry Martín to partner Alexis Vega in attack having scored off the bench on Thursday. Diego Lainez of Real Betis could start the match in midfield.
Costa Rica will be looking towards the experienced Bryan Ruiz for inspiration in the attacking third. Joel Campbell is expected to start as the sole striker.
This is a match neither team can afford to lose but Mexico have the significant advantage of playing at home. We expect to see Costa Rica keep things tight for as long as possible but Mexico to make the breakthrough and win with a clean sheet.