Mexico vs Costa Rica 12/10/18

12 October 2018

The two CONCACAF-based sides are set for a face-to-face friendly meeting, with Mexico looking to take on Costa Rica at the Estadio Universitario in San Nicolas de los Garza.

After another World Cup failure and a round of 16 elimination to Brazil, Ricardo Ferretti has replaced Juan Carlos Osorio on the bench of the national team only as an interim solution though. However, Tigres UANL boss has so far failed to revive the team, considering El Tri suffered a disastrous 4-1 defeat to Uruguay before taking another knock, with the United States outplaying the North America neighbors and clinching a narrow 1-0 triumph. Although Tuca already announced he has no intention of leaving Tigres for the national team, his adventure at Mexico may last even shorter than expected in case of another fizzle.

Los Ticos are in the similar situation as their opponents, as the current caretaker Gustavo Matosas miserably failed in both friendly games after taking charge of the team in favor of Oscar Ramirez who stepped down after the World Cup exit. In the past seven matches, the North American side has suffered six defeats, only playing out a 2-2 draw with Switzerland in the process. Additionally, that game with the Nati was the only one out of last seven where Costa Rica actually managed to notch a goal.

Seven European-based stars are included in the Mexico squad, with PSV’s duo of Hirving Lozano and Erick Gutierrez expected to spearhead the attack, as Javier Hernandez Chicharito will be missing out due to an injury. As for the visitors, Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas has returned to the national team after skipping friendlies with Japan and South Korea.