Orlando plays host to the second game of the Copa América Centenario, with Costa Rica and Paraguay going head to head in the first of a Saturday triple-header. These sides know that a win would move them joint-top of the group with Colombia, who downed the United States in a comfortable tournament-opening 2-0 victory. A defeat, on the other hand, is sure to make the remaining couple of games all the more daunting.
Costa Rica vs. Paraguay 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Copa America online
Costa Rica kick off their Copa América campaign against Paraguay on Saturday.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
It’s hard to know whether Costa Rica or Paraguay are favourites heading into this one. The former made a remarkable run to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Brazil two years ago, but haven’t looked as impressive since. They’re also without a key cog in their machine, with Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas having been ruled out of the tournament with an Achilles injury.
But if Costa Rica look like a team on a downward trajectory, Paraguay are certainly one heading upwards. Out has gone Roque Santa Cruz and in has come a very youthful selection, including talents like Juan Iturbe and Tonny Sanabria. They finished as runners-up in this tournament back in 2011, and reached the semis last year. But if they’re to once again be a surprise package, they’ll have to hope their young squad can cope with being thrown in at the deep end.
Key player: Patrick Pemberton (Costa Rica)
With Costa Rica's best player, Keylor Navas, having been ruled out for the tournament, all eyes will be on his replacement between the sticks. Patrick Pemberton has certainly got plenty of experience; the 34-year-old has picked up over 20 caps for his national team before. However, he's ultimately lacking the quality of the man whose boots he must try and fill, and the Ticos' defence could look a little more porous as a result.
Key question: Who will win the wide battle?
This game will certainly make for an interesting tactical matchup, with the robust, aggressive 4-4-2 of Paraguay coming up against Costa Rica's ultra-defensive 5-4-1. Though Paraguay's forwards will be outnumbered, they will doubtless be looking for success in the wide areas, where their wingers and full-backs can team up to create a superiority against an isolated Tico wing-back. If that proves the case, Costa Rica's defence can certainly expect to be bombarded with crosses.
Match date/time: Saturday, June 4, 5 p.m. ET / local
Venue: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
TV: FOX (US - English); Univision (US and Canada - Spanish); Premier Sports (UK); Repretel, Teletica (Costa Rica); Tigo Sports Paraguay, Telefuturo (Paraguay)
Online: Fox Sports GO, Fox Soccer 2GO, fuboTV (US)
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