The coach of the Colombian National Team made it clear that they do not underestimate Costa Rica for this afternoon’s game at the University of Phoenix stadium (5:00 pm). In the previous one, the defensive work that Alfaro did against Brazil stood out so that his team managed to get the tie and thus reach four games without conceding a goal. which demonstrates its solidity in the background and that will be the main challenge for Néstor Lorenzo’s team.
Colombia is clear that Costa Rica will not be an easy rivalThe last time they faced each other in the Copa América was in 2016 and there, with an alternate roster, the National Team lost 3-2.
Costa Rica and an undefeated streak thanks to its defensive order
There are four games in a row in which Costa Rica has managed to keep a clean sheet (Uruguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Granada and Brazil)Beyond the rivals, the important thing is to see how Alfaro has managed to get his players to understand his idea and apply it on the field.
“For me, the best coach is the one who supports the structure and makes the performance of a team grow. We played against Brazil and my desire was to win, the dream is always to win a match, beyond the respect for a team. Attitude is not negotiable. I hope I can guarantee you results.”said the Argentine coach, referring to his style.
Jeyland – Vargas – Calvo, the basis of a solid defense
Youth and experience, the old reliable mix that also works for Costa Rica. Alfaro is in a rebuilding process with many under-23 players and Jeyland Mitchell is a clear example that he is achieving it. The 19-year-old center back was in charge of stopping Vinícius in the first game and now he hopes to do the same with Luis Díaz, supported by his teammates.
“The other day Vinícius was double-marked, Luis Díaz and James have to be marked differently,” The coach anticipated how he will approach the game in that area.
Mitchell plays for Alajualense in Costa Rica and he only has five games with his team, In four he has been a starter and with the coincidence that every time he is on the field they do not receive a goalAfter his great match against Brazil he received 7.1 rating points, being third on the podium.
Francisco Calvo and Juan Pablo Vargas complete the line of three center backs that Costa Rica is playing with. The two experienced ones complement Jayland’s work, The Millonarios defender is the one who shows the most class as validated by his coach. “He was at the same level as Militao and Marquinhos, one plays for Real Madrid and another for PSG, ours doesn’t, but the level is the same, Juan Pablo’s performance was extraordinary.”
There will be 90 minutes for Colombia to show its hierarchy and impose itself against a rival that wants to continue complicating the favorites to dream of qualifying for the quarterfinals.
Follow the Diario AS channel on WhatsAppwhere you will find all things sport in one place: the latest news of the day, the agenda with the latest news on the most important sporting events, the most outstanding images, the opinion of the best AS journalists, reports, videos, and a bit of humour from time to time.
