:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64207384/1150177644.jpg.0.jpg)
Mexico and Costa Rica Rica clash in Houston’s NRG Stadium for a spot in the Semifinals of the 2019 Gold Cup.
Most expected Mexicans and Ticos to face off in the Semifinals, but Costa Rica’s defeat to Haiti in their last game of the Group Stage changed the complete dynamic of the knockout phase. Obviously, the final objective for both of these teams hasn’t changed, particularly for Mexico who no matter the rival is expected to at least make the final of the competition.
Thus-far, Mexico have been perfect in this Gold Cup, winning all three of their matches. What’s more, El Tri remain perfect under new coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, boasting of an outstanding seven wins in seven matches.
Costa Rica, though, promises to pose a difficult challenge to the Mexicans. Coached by a familiar face to Liga MX fans, Gustavo Matosas, los Ticos are set to go toe to toe against El Tri, with Matosas claiming in his pregame press conference he is not scared of taking Mexico head on.
Mexico will have the boost of having Hector Moreno back from injury, and the center back could be a surprise addition to the starting lineup.
Previously, Mexico and Costa Rica have faced each other seven times in the Quarterfinals stage of the Gold Cup. Mexico have never lost to Costa Rica in said stage, having won five and drawn the other two.
Date: Saturday, June 28
Time: 7:00pm Pacific, 9:00pm Central, 10:00pm Eastern
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
TV: Univision Deportes (US-Español), Univision (US-Español), FOX Sports 1 (US-English), Sky HD(Mexico), Azteca 7 (Mexico), Canal de las Estrellas (Mexico), UnivisionTDN(Mexico), Teletica Canal 7 (Costa Rica)
Streaming: fuboTV (Free trial + monthly subscription), Univision NOW, Fox Sports GO, CONCACAF GO