The United States and Costa Rica will challenge Group C supremacy when the two clubs face off in the final group match of the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2013.
The United States enters the game with two victories. In their opening match, the Americans pulled off a convincing 6-1 win over Belize that included a first-half hat trick by Chris Wondolowski. In the second game of the tournament, the Americans fell behind 1-0 against Cuba, but rallied for four unanswered goals; Wondolowski scored a brace in that match.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica enters the match with two victories, but scored no goals against Belize. The team took down Cuba 3-0 in the opener before barely getting past Belize 1-0 thanks to an own goal.
U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann has noted that the match against Costa Rica will be the team's first real challenge.
"We are very well aware of Costa Rica and [they're] the first real benchmark for us," Klinsmann said in his postgame press conference after defeating Cuba. "Everybody has respect for Belize and Cuba, but the benchmark for us starts with Costa Rica...We need now where we're eye-to-eye with the opponents, where we know it's going to go down to the wire and therefore we're really looking forward to that match."
The two clubs have an extensive history that dates back to 1975. Both clubs have won 12 matches against one another and have drawn six times. Costa Rica lost the most recent match in a controversial World Cup qualifying game in March.
Prediction: The Americans are the favored side thanks to their potent offense. Look for them to pull off a 2-0 victory.
Start Time: Kickoff starts at 8 p.m. EST.
TV: UniMas, Univision Deportes, Fox Soccer Channel
Watch Live Stream on Fox Soccer 2 Go by clicking HERE.
Follow Live Score at ESPNFC.com by clicking HERE.
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