The United States and Costa Rica renew their rivalries on Friday when the two sides face off in San Jose in the World Cup qualifiers 2014.
Both clubs currently occupy the top two spots in the CONCACAF qualifiers; the U.S. has 13 points while Costa Rica has 11. The top three sides in the Confederation automatically qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
Of course the central focus will be on the game the two sides played last March 22 in the snow. The United States won 1-0, but the Costa Ricans were upset that the game was allowed to be played.
According to ESPN, they have not forgotten about the match and have already started taking action against the Americans.
"Before arriving in San Jose, the Costa Rica Football Federation (FCF) gave its U.S. counterparts a short list of three sites that it could use as a training facility. Each of those facilities turned down the U.S. Soccer Federation's request. Given the number of times the U.S. has played down in Costa Rica both at senior and youth level, finding a suitable site wasn't all that difficult, and the U.S. was able to practice without any problems on Wednesday. But the message was clear: There would be no welcome mat rolled out for the Americans on upon their arrival."
During a Twitter session, U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley addressed the perceived animosity.
"We love it. It only adds to the excitement of the game," he responded.
U.S. coach Jürgen Klinsmann noted that the team is not focused on any sideshows and is simply looking for three points on Friday.
"It was difficult for both teams to play that game [in March], but I think you have now a situation, Costa Rica [with] 11 points, close to the World Cup, we have 13 points, close to the World Cup. We both want to get there and I think it's going to be exciting."
Prediction: The two sides battle to a 1-1 draw.
Start Time: 10 p.m. EST
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
