Costa Rica is in a bullish mood ahead of its Group B opener with Jamaica and Los Ticos have every right to be confident.
An extraordinary World Cup in which Costa Rica took the Netherlands to the brink in the quarterfinals before falling 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw was followed up with victory in the Copa Centroamericana.
While 2015 hasn’t been as kind, all the matches have been friendlies and with the stakes raised Costa Rica believes this is the best chance it’s ever had of lifting the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
“I think we are in a special moment in Costa Rican Football,” head coach Paulo Wanchope said at the pre-match press conference. “We have done some wonderful things. Our clubs are also playing at a high level in CONCACAF and the CONCACAF Champions League… We feel a responsibility and it’s a huge opportunity for us to compete in this tournament and win it.”
A legend as a player, Wanchope seems just as confident as a coach as he did splitting the German defense in the 2006 World Cup. “We have our eleven that is going to start. I have no doubt in the players that will start tomorrow.
At the same time, the former Manchester City striker, feels that there is a real depth to his squad. Wanchope said there are plenty of players who, even though they won’t be walking out on the pitch at the StubHub Center tomorrow, will get their opportunity to come in and possibly play their way into the starting XI as the team evolves throughout the tournament.
Despite the confidence that is radiating throughout the squad, Costa Rican captain Bryan Ruiz is under no illusions that Jamaica will serve up an easy three points.
“They are very physical and fast,” Ruiz told reporters. “We will have to move the ball quickly.”
Costa Rica is ready for a Jamaica that showed it can play more than one style at the Copa America. The Central Americans claim they are prepared to either be pressed high up the field as Ruiz alluded too, but they are also ready for a Jamaica side that might look to sit back and then use its speed to hit on the break
Jamaica is not at all overawed by the opposition. In fact, the Island nation has every reason to be confident following the Copa America. Despite three 1-0 losses, the Reggae Boyz gave a very good account of themselves against Uruguay, Paraguay and finalist Argentina.
“Our performance was very good, but now we have to win the matches,” head coach Winfried Schafer told journalist before the team’s final walkthrough. “I know its a very strong group and Costa Rica is a very good team, but I believe in my players.”
Jamaica’s German head coach Winifred Schaefer made a point to make sure that Costa Rica knows they are not going to be given any respect. “The last match against Argentina, we had too much respect. We come with more confidence now to this Gold Cup and we want to win against Costa Rica. This is not easy, but we’ve come here for three points.”
After failing to qualify in 2013, Jamaica is not only anxious to get back in the Gold Cup, but back amongst the goals as well. After failing to score in Chile, the Caribbean Champions have emphasized that they have to be better on set pieces with Schafer pointing out that over 30% of the goals scored in CONMEBOL’s showpiece tournament cam from the dead ball.
The German also stressed that the burden won’t fall entirely on the Jamaican strikers. The midfield is expected to not only to create for their forwards, but for themselves as well.
Captain Rudolph Austin believes his side has a collective spirit that can carry his side beyond group B and back to the quarterfinals where Jamaica eventually fell in 2011. “I think we are gelling very well,” said the tough tackling midfielder. “We are more confident as a team. The camaraderie in the camp is very good and it’s a good feeling around the team. Everyone believe in each other and that’s always a sign when you are in a team.”
His side certainly showed that with their defensive organization highly touted in Chile, now its all about getting the offense on the same page with the defense. After their exploits against South America’s finest, the pressure is on in a situation where Jamaica weren’t invited just to make up the numbers.
Austin believes it is the type of situation for this newly cohesive unit to thrive.
“Pressure is a good thing. It’s always good to be under pressure. It keeps you on your toes and it keeps you focused. Yes we didn’t score in the Copa [America], but this is a different tournament and we have a different focus. We are very confident we can go out there and do our best as a team and get some good results.
Prediction: Costa Rica 2- Jamaica 0
While Jamaica may be organized, Costa Rica has shut down much more talented offenses. With the combination of Alvaro Saborio, Ruiz and Joel Campbell Costa Rica will eventually find the breakthrough.
