The result was less than ideal in a vacuum, but in the wider context of 2022 World Cup qualifying, a 2-0 loss to Costa Rica did the trick.
As the U.S. visited its House of Horrors in San Jose, the knowledge that as long as the Stars & Stripes didn’t lose by six or more goals, a World Cup berth was theirs. That knowledge was a blessing and a curse.
A pair of set-piece goals by the hosts plus the heroics of world-class goalkeeper Keylor Navas saw a familiar result, as the U.S. has suffered defeat in all but one of its World Cup qualifiers on Costa Rican soil.
MORE: Which teams are in the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw?
And yet, it was enough. The United States is back in the World Cup. It doesn’t matter how, the demons of 2018 are exorcised. Plenty of questions remain for this U.S. team over the next eight months, but would it truly be a World Cup cycle without some uncertainties?
Juan Pablo Vargas and Anthony Contreras were the goalscorers for Costa Rica, but it wasn’t enough to see Los Ticos avoid the intercontinental qualifier.
Sporting News will be following the match live and providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
Costa Rica vs. USA final score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Costa Rica | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| USA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goals:
51st min — CRC — Juan Pablo Vargas (Brandon Aguliera)
59th min — CRC — Anthony Contreras (Jewison Bennette)
(All times Eastern)
FULL-TIME: Costa Rica 2-0 USA
The United States watches another game in Costa Rica fall to pieces, as it has so many times in the past, but that is secondary to the larger goal.
The USMNT is back in the World Cup.
Keylor Navas was heroic, and the U.S. was uncharacteristically bad defending set-pieces, but the job is done. A spot in the 2022 World Cup is theirs.
— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) March 31, 2022
87th min:With both teams knowing that the intended goal is likely gone, the game has opened up as both sides leave it all on the field with little to lose. Gio Reyna combines with Jedi Robinson well but it's lost before a shot is produced, and down the other end Steffen is forced into an awkward low save which looks wobbly.
84th min:Christian Pulisic comes off, replaced by Jordan Morris. That's the final substitution for the U.S., and it's one Chelsea fans will appreciate after Pulisic took a beating for much of the first half.
— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) March 31, 2022The US conceded a 2nd goal and its all come undone for them collectively. For this young generation of players it’s probably tough to erase the “you can’t lose by 6” context at this point.
They KNOW they’re 6 minutes away from the WORLD CUP.
77th min:Keylor Navas is receiving treatment from the Costa Rica medical staff. It looks like he's coming off. A replay shows that on the previous chance with Pulisic down the left, he lands awkwardly on his right knee as he slides to make the save.
Coming on is Esteban Alvarado. Navas takes his time coming off, and savors the reception from the home fans in potentially his final home international match.
If Keylor Navas is hurt, that is worst case scenario for Costa Rica. Rest all your starters, the one who does start…..
— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) March 31, 2022
74th min:U.S. fans stuck in a very weird limbo of watching the team trail 2-0 against a "B" Costa Rica side, while also knowing the team is still very much in position to qualify for the World Cup.
Gio Reyna makes another great run down the right, but it comes to nothing. Rinse, repeat.
It's ok to be disappointed by this. It's also ok to pop champagne if we don't lose by six. #usmnt
— Jeff Wallner (@JeffWallner) March 31, 2022
70th min:Once again, the game has devolved into a midfield battle. Costa Rica, to its credit, has been first to every single 50/50 ball. It'll be a U.S. corner as Gio Reyna blasts over with a deflection after a great run by Pulisic.
61st min:A pair of substitutions for the United States, who can all but kiss the historic win goodbye. Shaq Moore comes in for DeAndre Yedlin, while Gio Reyna comes on for Tim Weah. Ricardo Pepi then comes off a minute later for Jesus Ferreira.
It would still take four more goals for Costa Rica to shock the world, but the crowd is absolutely bumping in San Jose.
It got very very very loud in here on that second goal. USMNT need to get some possession and catch a breath. They seem to understand that and are letting some of the air of the game now
— Charles Boehm (@cboehm) March 31, 2022See Also2022 Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers: USA vs. Costa Rica - Match History & Preview - Five Things to KnowInternational Friendly: USA vs. Costa Rica - Match History & Preview | Five Things to KnowUSWNT vs. Costa Rica result: USA reaches final of CONCACAF W Championship, one win away from Olympics | Sporting NewsUSA 2-1 Costa Rica: 2022 World Cup qualifier – as it happened
59th min: GOAL, Costa Rica!Uhhhh, well things are certainly starting to get hairy! Again on a set-piece, Zack Steffen first comes to punch and then makes a huge save, but on the third chance Costa Rica gets a free man at the back post and Anthony Contreras bags a second for Costa Rica.
This place really is a House of Horrors for the United States. Can Los Ticos really do the unthinkable??
ANTHONY CONTRERAS MAKES IT TWO FOR COSTA RICA . 😳 pic.twitter.com/YFdiFO6hW1
— Watch Costa Rica vs USA on Paramount+ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 31, 2022
57th min: CHANCE, USA!It's Keylor Navas AGAINwho comes up for Costa Rica, this time to deny Ricardo Pepi for a second time. It's the sixth save for Navas in the match, and all of them have been absolutely vital.
51st min: GOAL, Costa Rica!A reminder why it's so freakin difficult to win in Costa Rica. The U.S. has dominated the game from start to finish, but the hosts go ahead on a set-piece. A corner swung in meets the head of Juan Pablo Vargas who charges straight through the mixer unmarked. The header is powerful and accurate, and Steffen doesn't have a chance. The U.S. is still in a very strong qualifying position, but an historic win in Costa Rica is far less likely now.
Juan Pablo Vargas with the header to give Costa Rica the lead over the USMNT. 👀 pic.twitter.com/S4XPZhIvzx
— Watch Costa Rica vs USA on Paramount+ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 31, 2022
48th min: CHANCE, USA!A double save by Keylor Navas! A free-kick from the left touchline finds the head of Miles Robinson, who is once again denied by the PSG goalkeeper. The follow-up comes from Weah is saved as well. What a player Keylor Navas is. Someone should tell Mauricio Pochettino!
DENIED BY KEYLOR NAVAS 🧤 pic.twitter.com/cdUTFK18pq
— Watch Costa Rica vs USA on Paramount+ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 31, 2022
46th min:The second half is on, and as expected, Tyler Adams is off for Luca de la Torre. Kellyn Acosta moves back to the number six, while de la Torre takes over at a pivot with Musah.
HALFTIME: Costa Rica 0-0 USA
The United States has dominated the first 45 minutes, but nothing to show for it. If nothing else, the scoreless game is a step closer to World Cup qualification. Costa Rica has done more to get a yellow card than to get a goal, but neither have taken place.
If there's a bright spot, the U.S. hasn't been tied on Costa Rican soil at halftime since 1999, trailing at halftime in the last eight consecutive matches in that nation.
Expect changes for the U.S. at the break, as World Cup qualification nears and tired legs are finally rested. Christian Pulisic is a prime candidate, as he was hacked all first half. Seems that Luca de la Torre could be one to come on.
Luca de la Torre didn't head to the locker room with the rest of the squad at the half, stayed on the field practicing. Can only assume that means he coming in #USMNT #CRCvUSA
— Meg Swanick (@Meg_Swanick) March 31, 2022
A microcosm of the first 45 minutes:
— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) March 31, 2022🇺🇸 The No. 1 U.S. pass made in the first half: M. Robinson to Zimmerman (14 times).
🇺🇸 No. 2: Zimmerman to M. Robinson (13 times). pic.twitter.com/nUT6XhnYoh
40th min:Not much in this game as it progresses towards the break. Both teams look like they have one eye on the second half.
33rd min:Christian Pulisic has taken some lumps through the first half-hour, and he's not happy about it. Most recent foul by Daniel Chacon has Pulisic really upset, understandably. These are not your father's fouls.
Gotta stab a guy to get a yellow in this one.
— Jason Davis (@davisjsn) March 31, 2022
They’re gonna kill Pulisic and no card will be given by this ref. Ridiculous
— Sanjiv (@USMNTvideos) March 31, 2022
30th min:Probably the best chance for Costa Rica to this point as Bennette springs down the left and works space for a cross, but Contreras can't meet it under a heavy challenge. Hosts haven't had many chances on goal, as evident by the zero shots on target.
23rd min:Keylor Navas delivers one of the most devastating goal kicks you'll ever see, taking it quickly and putting it on a platter for a lone Costa Rican attacker chasing the ball in the attacking half, but Tyler Adams does one better and sprints the length of the field and completes the challenge to win the ball back.WHATa play by the U.S. number six. That goal kick deserved better, but not on Adams' watch. Guess he's feeling ok!
— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) March 31, 2022Tyler Adams:
70-yard sprint, wins the ball racing back toward his own goal with a Costa Rican on his back, juggles twice to himself while turning towards the sideline, wins a foul.
Incredible play.
21st min:This game has devolved into a game of tackle and be tackled. Some excellent challenges from both sides, and while that's fun for a while, it's resulted in a midfield struggle that has snuffed out attacks at both ends.
17th min:Yunus Musah charges through the midfield and feels the challenge by Orlando Galo from behind, and Musah goes down to win a dangerous set-piece opportunity. Kellyn Acosta steps up as the designated U.S. free-kick taker, and he blasts it straight into the wall. Acosta's deliveries have not been up to snuff in this international window.
13th min: CHANCE, USA!Timothy springs Ricardo Pepi down the right, and the U.S. striker rips a shot from a tight angle that Navas has covered. It's saved out for a corner. Another good chance for the visitors who are poking and prodding Costa Rica in the opening 15 minutes.
Keylor Navas doing what Keylor Navas does. 😤 pic.twitter.com/ScAcqK1EXK
— Watch Costa Rica vs USA on Paramount+ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 31, 2022
8th min: CHANCE, USA!Miles Robinson is aforceon these corners! Pulisic's delivery this time is better, and it comes to the feet of Robinson who unleashes a volley. The shot is vicious, but Navas gets just enough of his palms on it to keep it from trickling over the line. An excellent shot, but a better save from one of the world's best goalkeepers. First real chance of the match falls to the visitors.
Miles Robinson got close 👀 pic.twitter.com/sD3B7Jwi3y
— Watch Costa Rica vs USA on Paramount+ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 31, 2022
If Keylor is not the best GK in the world, I don’t know what we are doing.
— Michele Giannone (@MicheleG3) March 31, 2022
4th min:Corner swung in by Pulisic — an outswinger — is a little deep, and it meets the head of Miles Robinson but it's from too deep and easily collected by goalkeeping legend Keylor Navas.
Jenny Chu reporting for CBS states that Adams had to get some of the cold spray on the sideline, and both Cristian Roldan and Luca de la Torre are warming on the sideline. A worry for the U.S.
3rd min:The U.S. may already be dealing with an injury, something to monitor. Costa Rica with a lot of possession early, but since the push forward in the opening seconds, it's mostly been in Costa Rica's own half.
Two minutes in and Tyler Adams is limping around the field. Think he may have taken a knee to the quad.
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) March 31, 2022
1st min:Kickoff! Costa Rica is right on the attack, which is no surprise given the situation of the match. Some nervy early moments, but it's snuffed out.
🚨 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ARE 90 MINUTES AWAY FROM QUALIFYING FOR THE WORLD CUP 🚨
— CBS Sports Soccer (@CBSSportsSoccer) March 31, 2022
9:00 p.m.:National anthems are on. Everybody knows the stakes, for both sides. Here we go!
#usmnt has been in the World Cup. What they haven't done is win in Costa Rica. That's the correct message from Berhalter to his players. Focus is on winning. Rest takes care of itself.
— Jeff Wallner (@JeffWallner) March 31, 2022
8:36 p.m.:Some more info regarding Costa Rica's lineup, which has seen a number of starters benched due to yellow card fears. Just along the back line alone, Juan Pablo Vargas has four international caps, Daniel Chacon has one, Carlos Martinez is making his debut. Up front, Anthony Contreras earns his second cap, while Jewison Bennette gets his fourth.It's a very green lineup throughout.
— Kyle Bonagura (@BonaguraESPN) March 31, 2022The intent here from the USMNT is to leave no doubt.
Costa Rica's focus is on New Zealand.Field players in the starting XIs during WC qualifying
Appearances: USA 86; CR 30
Minutes: USA 5,884; CR 1,268Waston accounts for 10 appearances, 570 mins for CR. https://t.co/6GDFQUhJWv
8:18 p.m.:MASCOT PARTY!
Costa Rica is the ridiculous mascot hotbed of CONCACAF pic.twitter.com/7b4ikNrVqn
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) March 31, 2022
It’s all happening. pic.twitter.com/O6XY7Ahv5i
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) March 31, 2022
8:03 p.m.:USA lineup has been submitted, and it's a strong one, with the U.S. not backing down despite overwhelming odds in its favor. In fact, it's the exact same starting lineup from the 0-0 draw at the Azteca.
Zack Steffen starts for the third time, even though Berhalter essentially said he wouldn't. DeAndre Yedlin and Tim Weah both return to the starting lineup after serving yellow cards suspensions against Panama. Ricardo Pepi is back at striker despite Jesus Ferreira's strong performance in Orlando.
For Costa Rica, as expected a number of top players on a yellow card are not risked, with the team playing to have its full strength lineup for the intercontinental qualifier. Full lineups below.
7:57 p.m.:The odds are stacked against Costa Rica, but the atmosphere before the match is still jumping in San Jose.
Gonna be a great atmosphere here tonight. pic.twitter.com/usLmMWy66i
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) March 30, 2022
7:49 p.m.:History be damned! The U.S. has never won on the road at Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying before, but bettors are backing the U.S. to clinch in emphatic fashion tonight nonetheless.
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) March 30, 2022The United States Men's National Team can clinch a spot in the World Cup tonight.
90% of ML bettors are riding with Team USA vs. Costa Rica tonight 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UcOzeVTUTi
7:22 p.m.:It's been a while since the U.S. qualified for a World Cup...but who's counting?
It has been 3,123 long days since we last qualified for a Men's World Cup. Today is the day we change that America 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/pBwYrGyEKy
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) March 30, 2022
7:10p.m.:The new FIFA match ball for the 2022 World Cup was released today. Can the U.S. secure a spot in the tournament and position itself to be playing with this adidas beauty come November?
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 UK 🇬🇧 (@sportingnewsuk) March 30, 2022⚽️ 'Al Rihla', the Official Match Ball of the 2022 Qatar #WorldCup has been released.
Let's face it, it's no 2014 Brazuca! 🇧🇷🔥
Where does it rank against balls from recent tournaments? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/EAqtArlQsF
7:00 p.m.:The United States just needs to avoid a loss by six goals or more to qualify for the World Cup. The U.S. hasn't lost a match by a scoreline that bad since a 6-0 loss to France at the Meadowlands in 1979. Bernard Lacombe scored a hat trick in that match, three of his 12 career international goals for Les Blues.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 28, 2022With the 5-1 win over Panama Sunday night, the USMNT has a 6-goal buffer between them and the last automatic qualification spot in CONCACAF.
They will qualify for Qatar if they avoid losing their last qualification match by 6 goals, something the USMNT has avoided since 1979. pic.twitter.com/ZmFTvyleW7
Costa Rica vs. USA lineups
Due to CONCACAF and FIFA's World Cup qualifying yellow card suspension rules, there was an enormous amount of uncertainty regarding Costa Rica's possible starting lineup against the United States.
While only red card suspensions picked up in World Cup qualifying carry over to the World Cup itself, yellow card suspensionsapparently do carry overto the intercontinental playoff. Costa Rica has a whopping nine players who would earn a suspension with a yellow card, includingFrancisco Calvo,Bryan Oviedo,Celso Borges,Joel Campbell,Alonso Martinez, andKeysher Fuller, all of whom started the last match against El Salvador, plus substitutesBryan RuizandJohan Venegas.
Therefore, it was believed that Costa Rica would proceed with a game plan against the U.S. that utilizes a "B" team, conceding to the unlikelihood of direct qualification and instead securing its best players are available for selection in the intercontinental playoff in June. That hunch was proven right, as the likes ofBrandon Aguilera,Jewison Bennette, and Anthony Contrerascome into the side to replace cautioned regulars.
Costa Rica starting lineup (5-4-1):Navas (GK) — Lawrence, Waston, Vargas, Chacon, C. Martinez — Bennette, Aguilera, Galo, Mora — Contreras.
Costa Rica subs (11):Moreira (GK), Alvarado (GK), Lopez, Salas, Oviedo, Ruiz, Venegas, Campbell, Tores, Martinez, Tejeda, Ortiz.
Despite the"Qualified" banner mishap, the United States has preached since the end of the Panama match that the job is not quite done. And unlike Costa Rica, unless disaster strikes, yellow card suspensions are no longer a worry, as those do not carry over into the World Cup itself. So a strong XI is expected.
Tim Weahreturns from his yellow card suspension to start on the wing, asPaul Arriolawas withdrawn at halftime of the Panama match with a knock and does not appear on the bench.Reggie Cannonis back from his COVID-19 bout, but so is DeAndre Yedlin who also returns from a suspension to start.
MORE:Berhalter quieting critics with impending World Cup berth
Christian Pulisicstarts for the third match of three, but the captain's armband goes to Walker Zimmermanthis time.Gio Reynahas not started a match this window due to his hamstring recovery and a stomach bug picked up in Mexico, and Berhalter indicated he's still feeling the effects of it, so yet again the Dortmund man sees the bench.
Luca de la Torrewas excellent in each of his last two starts against Honduras and Panama, and Gianluca Busiolooked good off the bench in Orlando, butYunus Musahreturns to the midfield instead.
In-form goalkeeperEthan Horvathwas thought to be an option in goal after Berhalter stated earlier in the window that players not starting for their clubs (hint:Zack Steffen) should't be expected to start all three matches. Still, it's Steffen at goalkeeper, with Berhalter going against his public word.Ricardo Pepiis back up front despiteJesus Ferreira's goalscoring performance against Panama.
USA starting lineup (4-3-3):Steffen (GK)— A. Robinson, Zimmerman, M. Robinson, Yedlin —Acosta, Adams, Musah — Pulisic, Pepi, Weah.
USA subs (11):Horvath (GK), Moore, Sands, Palmer-Brown, Long, Roldan, Bello, de la Torre, Reyna, Morris, Pefok, Ferreira.
How to watch Costa Rica vs. USA
- Date:Wednesday, Mar. 30
- Time:9:05 p.m. ET
- TV channel:CBSSN
- Spanish-language TV:Universo
- Streaming:fuboTV, Paramount+
Wednesday's match between the United States and Costa Rica from the Estadio Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network (English) and Universo (Spanish) in the USA.
Those channels are streamedon fuboTV, and new users can take advantage ofa free trial. The match will also be streamed on Paramount+ for subscribers.
Costa Rica-USA betting lines, picks & prediction
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
U.S. fans have been mulling over how Berhalter should play this match, but the sportsbooks aren't looking at this match with such a complicated lens. This is a match between a team that struggles to score and is likely to put out a "B" team against a team that has been historically awful at this venue.
The U.S. isn't an overwhelming favorite, but still with plus odds to come away victorious. Also, a low scoring game is expected. The sportsbooks are probably not wrong on both counts.
MORE:World Cup qualification scenarios for USMNT
Historically, the U.S. has scored one goal or fewer in every World Cup qualifying match in Costa Rica except one. More recently, the U.S. has one road goal this entire World Cup qualifying cycle when you remove a 4-0 win over last-placed Honduras. On the other hand, Costa Rica hasn't scored more than two goals in any match this entire qualifying cycle, and has been shut out more times (five) than it has scored two goals in a match (three occasions).
With the U.S. happy to sit back and allow Costa Rica's sputtering attack to possess the ball while hitting on the counter — which is exactly what it did to Panama at home — this should be a comfortable match for the United States with plenty of wiggle room. While the U.S. struggles against teams that play counter-attacking ball, they showed on Sunday they themselves can be lethal on the break.
Sadly, the under is set so low (at just 2 goals) that it's not a viable option, so go for a U.S. win against a chopped and changed Costa Rican lineup that allows for raising the under bar.
Pick:USA win & under 3.5 goals (+130)
Prediction:Costa Rica 1, USA 2
- Moneyline:Costa Rica +245 / Draw +215 / USA +115
- Spread (Asian Handicap):Costa Rica+0.5 (-140) / USA -0.5 (+120)
- O/U 2 total goals:Over -105 / Under -120
- Both teams to score:Yes +120 / No -155
