Argentina v Costa Rica
Football : Copa America 2011
Monday 11 July 2011 - Kickoff 9:45pm (Local Time)
This game is live on TV

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Preview

After the opening couple of games in Group A, it seems the unthinkable still has a chance of happening and the hosts, and favourites, Argentina could exit the tournament before the Quarter Final stage. Overcoming Costa Rica will not be easy and we could be in for a nervous night in Cordoba.

Argentina have been lackluster in both of their matches so far and could be considering themselves a touch fortunate to have picked up 2 draws. Colombia should really have won their game with Argentina, but that has not stopped them winning the Group already.

The Colombia win over Bolivia last night means Argentina must win this match if they are to progress. A draw would also mean they are awaiting to see if they finish as one of the two 'best third place' positions, while a defeat will be all but the end of their hopes this year.

Costa Rica brought a young team over for the Copa America which they were invited to attend after Japan were forced to pull out. They were not expected to be challenging for a place in the Quarter Finals but a win over Bolivia last time out sees them in 2nd place and knowing they will be through if they avoid defeat in this game.

The biggest problem for Argentina so far in the tournament has been their lack of ability to play in the 'Barcelona' way and trying to use Lionel Messi in the traditional Number 9 spot. This tactic has been ruled as a failure and Sergio Batista is expected to make changes to his line up and formation for this game.

The lack of creativity in the midfield has made the Argentine team that much easier to defend against and has led to 1 goal in 2 matches. The likes of Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain are expected to be restored to the starting line up in place of Carlos Tevez and Esteban Cambiasso.

This change in formation is likely to see Argentina revert to the formation that worked well in patches during the World Cup.

It seems the result of this match is likely to lie in the manner Argentina play rather than what Costa Rica will do. The Costa Rican team is young, and as well as they played against Bolivia, they were looking a little toothless against Colombia in their opening game.

The pressure will be on Argentina, but Costa Rica do need a result to guarantee their path through to the Quarter Finals and could find themselves struggling to work out if they should stick with what they have at the start of the game, or twist and try and score a goal that could take them through.

Head to Head

The two nations have met twice since 2000, both of the games being played in the last 2 years.

Argentina beat Costa Rica 3-2 in Puerto Rico, while they drew 0-0 in Costa Rica in March this year.

Prediction

Argentina have looked a little nervous in their games in the Copa America and I feel this will be yet another one of those games. However, they may just have reverted to a more familiar formation at just the right time and are facing a young team that will not be used to playing games of this magnitude.

Costa Rica have already surpassed expectations by beating Bolivia and giving themselves a chance to progress through to the Quarter Finals, but it is a difficult ask for them to beat Argentina away from home.

They were not at their best against Colombia and never really looked like scoring in that match, and that could be the best way to get on Argentina in this match.

I have tried this pick on each of Argentina's first 2 games and come up short for differing reasons.

However, the 'win to nil' looks the only real way you can get on this game and has been priced up at a decent looking price at Ladbrokes.

I expect Argentina may have a nervous time, but they will ultimately pass the test and book their place in the Quarter Finals with a close win.

The Pick :

Argentina 1-0 Costa Rica

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Argentina win to nil @ 1.72 (Ladbrokes)