Costa Rica plays their first match under new manager Jorge Luis Pinto with an international friendly against Brazil. The match will take place at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Juan de Tibas, Costa Rica on Friday, October 7, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 03:00 BST (UK time), 04:00 CET (Central Europe), and 22:00 EST (USA Eastern).

Costa Rica v Brazil TV Listings

It will be televised on Viasat (Sweden) and ESPN Deportes (USA).

Costa Rica v Brazil Preview

Brazil player Neymar

“I’m very happy and very boosted after beating Argentina last week. It was a derby and it was wonderful beating those rivals.”

“Brazil’s obligation is always to play well – in our country or anywhere else in the world. We’re a football country and we have to perform like that.”

Brazil player David Luiz

“Each time you have a new coach, every player gives even more, to show him they can play. He will bring a new philosophy, and the players will want to show him all they can give.

“We have to stop them at the beginning of the match, so the pressure moves to their side.”

Brazil player Dani Alves

“We know Central American football is growing, but we don’t know any Costa Rica player, we have to say.”

“We know they have good players, but honestly we don’t have many details on them.”

Brazil player Adriano

“Mano Menezes know some more details and will brief us on Friday, before the match, but I can’t recall any name.”

Costa Rica manager Jorge Luis Pinto

“In my training there’s no let-up,” he said. “We work with the same intensity as in the matches.”

“We will decide the line-up only after we finish all our training sessions. We’re working on tactics and dynamic moves involving several different players. We’ll see after that.”

Costa Rica v Brazil Prediction

Brazil wins 3-1

Costa Rica v Brazil Odds

Costa Rica win – 15/2

Draw – 16/5

Brazil win – 2/5

Costa Rica v Brazil Live Online

The match can be seen at Free Live Sports TV and Free Sports Online.

Costa Rica v Brazil – Preview, Prediction, TV Listings, Betting Odds – Friendly – 7 October 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Costa Rica defeated the USA 1-0 in an international friendly on Friday, September 2, 2011.

USA 0-1 Costa Rica Video Highlights

The match highlights can be viewed here at Free Soccer Highlights.

USA 0-1 Costa Rica Recap

The United States were the stronger team for most of the match but it was Costa Rica who ended up with the victory.

The Americans started out quickly but failed to capitalize on the early momentum. As new manager Jurgen Klinsmann had promised, the USA side was very attacking but lacked finishing in the final third. Costa Rica was able to weather the early pressure and starting to build confidence heading into the second half.

The lone goal was scored by Rodney Wallace, in the 65th minute, as he headed a rebound past Tim Howard. The USA goalkeeper saved an initial shot but had little help from his defense as Wallace was the quickest to pounce on the rebound. Overall, the USA were the better side but couldn’t convert chance and had one costly defensive lapse.

The United States will face Belgium on Tuesday while Costa Rica will play Ecuador.

USA 0-1 Costa Rica Match Stats

USA 0-1 Costa Rica – Video Highlights, Recap, Match Stats – Friendly – 2 September 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

With 2014 World Cup qualifying less than a year away, the United States host Costa Rica in an international friendly match. The match will take place at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California on Friday, September 2, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 04:00 BST (UK time), 05:00 CET (Central Europe), and 23:00 EST (USA Eastern).

USA v Costa Rica TV Listings

It will be televised on ESPN2 (USA) and Galavision (USA).

USA v Costa Rica Preview

USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann

“We try to play an attacking style and put them under pressure and high energy and hopefully [the players] are feeling comfortable in doing that — and confident.”

“My experience always had been, in Europe playing in different countries, that when you get to know your fans — the people that love the game — you feel also a little more responsible about what you’re doing,” Klinsmann told a group of reporters after the training session. “I started that process in 2004 with the German team that before every national team game, we opened up to the public.”

“The people loved it and the players, they felt like, ‘We’ve got to show these people we’re ready to compete on the highest level.’ I think it’s a great connection with the fan base.”

“Obviously when we do a session like that (open to fans), we don’t stress the tactical or physical side … that was done over the last couple of days,” said Klinsmann. “I knew the things that we do in the public session was more on the entertaining side like finishing crosses and a playing a scrimmage.”

USA player Landon Donovan

“[Klinsmann] encourages you to express yourself. For a lot of us, that’s what we’re good at. That’s what we’ve done well our whole life, taking chances and expressing ourselves.”

“Literally in training, if the ball gets to someone he’s yelling, ‘Go, take him on,’”. If guys try something in the right part of the field and it doesn’t come off, he says, ‘It’s okay, do it again.’”

“I don’t want to compare. Jurgen has his style and the way he does things, and that’s trickled down to us already.”

“If guys are trying to nutmeg someone in their own 18, [Klinsmann] has also stopped it and said something to guys already this week. So it has to be in the right context. But when the moment is right, he wants us to express ourselves.”

USA Squad

GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton)

DEFENDERS (7): Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Edgar Castillo (Club America), Timmy Chandler (FC Nürnberg), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Orozco Fiscal (San Luis), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado Rapids), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Brek Shea (FC Dallas), Jose Torres (Pachuca)

FORWARDS (4): Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Teal Bunbury (Sporting Kansas City), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Costa Rica Squad

GOALKEEPERS (3): Danny Carvajal (A.D. San Carlos), Leonel Moreira (Herediano), Keylor Navas (Levante)

DEFENDERS (8): Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Carlos Johnson (Cartaginés), José Mena (Saprissa), Christopher Meneses (Alajuelense), Roy Miller (New York Red Bulls), José Salvatierra (Alajuelense), Roy Smith (Orión FC), Michael Umaña (Chivas USA)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Randall Azofeifa (Genclerbirligui), Michael Barrantes (Aalesund), Cristian Bolaños (FC Copenhagen), Allen Guevara (Alajuelense), David Guzmán (Saprissa), Kareem Mclean (Limón FC), Álvaro Sánchez (A.D. San Carlos), Rodney Wallace (Portland Timbers)

FORWARDS (5): Randall Brenes (Cartaginés), Daniel Colíndres (Santos de Guápiles), Josué Martínez (Saprissa), Winston Parks (FK Baki), Álvaro Saborio (Real Salt Lake)

USA v Costa Rica Prediction

USA wins 3-1

USA v Costa Rica Odds

USA win – 1/2

Draw – 13/5

Costa Rica win – 11/2

USA v Costa Rica Live Online

The match can be seen at Free Live Sports TV and Free Sports Online.

USA v Costa Rica – Preview, Prediction, TV Listings, Betting Odds – Friendly – 2 September 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Argentina defeated Costa Rica 3-0 in the 2011 Copa America on Monday, July 11, 2011.

Argentina 3-0 Costa Rica Video Highlights

The match highlights can be viewed here at Free Soccer Highlights.

Argentina 3-0 Costa Rica Recap

The hosts clinched a spot in the Copa America quarterfinals with a dominating win over Costa Rica.

Sergi Aguero had goals in the 45th minute and 52nd minute while Angel Di Maria scored the third goal in the 63rd minute. The win is the first of the tournament for Argentina and they will now play the 2nd placed team from Group C. Costa Rica could still qualify for the quarterfinals but will need likely need Uruguay, Brazil, or Paraguay to lose their final Group Stage match.

Argentina’s quarterfinal match will be played on July 16.

Argentina 3-0 Costa Rica Match Stats

Argentina 3-0 Costa Rica – Video Highlights, Recap, Match Stats – Copa America – 11 July 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

After two draws in their opening matches, 2011 Copa America hosts Argentina need a win to guarantee a spot in the quarterfinals. The match will take place at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba, Argentina on Monday, July 11, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 20:45 EST (USA Eastern), 01:45 BST (UK time), 02:45 CET (Central Europe), and 21:45 local time in Argentina.

Argentina v Costa Rica TV Listings

It will be televised on Univision (USA), ESPN (UK), Al Jazeera Sport (Middle East), EuroSport World (Canada), C+ Liga (Spain), Setanta (Ireland), Sky Sport (Italy), Sport TV1 (Portugal), SuperSport (Africa), and NTV+ Football (Russia).

Argentina v Costa Rica Preview

Argentina manager Sergio Batista

“It is very difficult to understand how life is (for Messi). He is known worldwide. He goes to China and cannot leave the hotel and he suffers a number of things here.

“The world’s best player is here. We have him and we must take advantage of that.”

Argentina player Javier Zanetti

“The problem is not how Messi plays but the whole team did not play as they should have,” the Inter Milan man said.

“We know Messi is great. He is the best in the world. This is a team and each player has his responsibilities.

“This team knows what they are playing for, despite being young players. We must be very careful and not be excessively confident.”

Costa Rica Joel Campbell

“Argentina feel pressure for winning and will try to do everything to gain it so we have to be relaxed. They host this Copa America.

“We don’t play just against Messi. We play against a system, against a team called Argentina. We should think about Argentina as a team, not one player, and try to block their game.”

Costa Rica manager Ricardo La Volpe

“We are fine. It will not be an easy game because Argentina have big talents. We know them very well and will try to do a great job to make a competitive match.”

Argentina Squad

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar, NET), Mariano Andujar (Catania, ITA) and Juan Pablo Carrizo (River Plate).

Defenders: Ezequiel Garay (Real Madrid, SPA), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City, ENG), Nicolas Burdisso (Roma, ITA), Gabriel Milito (Barcelona, SPA), Javier Zanetti (Internazionale, ITA), Nicolas Pareja and Marcos Rojo (Spartak Moscu, RUS).

Midfielders: Esteban Cambiasso (Internazionale, ITA), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona, SPA), Lucas Biglia (Anderlecht, BEL), Ever Banega (Valencia, SPA), Fernando Gago (Real Madrid, SPA) and Javier Pastore (Palermo, SPA).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona, SPA), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City, ENG), Gonzalo Higuaín, Angel Di María (Real Madrid, SPA), Sergio Agüero (Athletic Madrid, SPA), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli, ITA) and Diego Milito (Internazionale, ITA)

Costa Rica Squad

Goalkeepers: Minor Alvarez (Belen), Leonel Moreira (Herediano), Danny Carvajal (San Carlos).

Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Kevin Fajardo (Santos), Jose Salvatierra (Alajuelense), Francisco Calvo (San Jacinto College/USA), Pedro Leal (Puntarenas), Oscar Duarte (Saprissa).

Midfielders: Allen Guevara (Alajuelense), David Guzman (Saprissa), Jose Cubero (Heredia), Hanzel Arauz (Santos), Luis Miguel Valle (Alajuelense), Diego Madrigal (Cerro Porteno/PAR)), Jorge Gatgens (Alajuelense).

Forwards: Josue Martinez (Saprissa), Joel Campbell (Saprissa), Randall Brenes (Cartagines), Jorge Castro (Saprissa), Cesar Elizondo (Saprissa)

Argentina v Costa Rica Prediction

Argentina wins 2-1

Argentina v Costa Rica Betting Odds

Argentina win – 1/5

Draw – 5/1

Costa Rica win – 12/1

Argentina v Costa Rica Live Online

The match can be seen at Free Live Sports TV and Free Sports Online.

Argentina v Costa Rica – Preview, Prediction, TV Listings, Betting Odds – Copa America – 11 July 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Costa Rica defeated Bolivia 2-0 in the 2011 Copa America on Thursday, July 7, 2011.

Bolivia 0-2 Costa Rica Video Highlights

The match highlights can be viewed here at Free Soccer Highlights.

Bolivia 0-2 Costa Rica Recap

Two red cards would prove to be too much for Bolivia as they fell 0-2 to Costa Rica.

Even before either of the red cards, Costa Rica would take the lead on a 59th minute Josue Martinez goal. He scored after an initial shot was saved but the defense was unable to clear it in time. The first red card was given in the 70th minute as Ronaldo Rivero tried to block a shot but ended up using part of his arm.

Costa Rica’s Allen Guevara Zuniga would take the penalty kick but had it saved. Walter Flores would be the second Bolivian player to get a red card to give Costa Rica a two man advantage. They would capitalize with a 78th minute Joel Campbell goal to put the match out of reach.

The loss puts Costa Rica in second place in Group A while Bolivia are in last place. Bolivia will likely need a win to advance to the next round while Costa Rica would only need a draw.

Bolivia 0-2 Costa Rica Match Stats

Bolivia 0-2 Costa Rica – Video Highlights, Recap, Match Stats – Copa America – 7 July 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Bolivia could go top of the Group A standings with a win as they face CONCACAF side Costa Rica. The match will take place at the Estadio La Tacita de Plata in San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina on Thursday, July 7, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 18:15 EST (USA Eastern), 23:15 BST (UK time), 00:15 CET (Central Europe), and 19:15 local time in Argentina.

Bolivia v Costa Rica TV Listings

It will be televised on Univision (USA), EuroSport World (Canada), ESPN (UK), Setanta Sports (Ireland), C+ (Spain), Sky Sport (Italy), Sport TV1 (Portugal), and on Al Jazeera Sport (Middle East).

Bolivia v Costa Rica Preview

Costa Rica player Jose Cubero

“I have to do well in training because the coach (Ricardo La Volpe) likes players who are focused.

“They have given me the opportunity and I have to play well for the good of the team.

“It’s a different position, but not unknown to me.”

Bolivia player Lorgio Alvarez

“This match is equally difficult as the Argentina game, but the goal will be to win the game and settle qualification for the next round.”

Bolivia player Carlos Arias

“Every game is a new story, we must not be complacent. We should always give our best, stay focused, and I think whoever commits the fewest mistakes will be victorious.”

Bolivia Squad

Goalkeepers: Carlos Arias, Sergio Galarza and Daniel Vaca.

Defenders: Edemir Rodríguez, Ronald Raldes, Ronald Rivero, Lorgio Alvarez, Luis Gutiérrez, Miguel Hoyos and Santos Amador.

Midfielders: Ronald García, Walter Flores, Jaime Robles, Alejandro Gómez, Ruddy Cardozo, Jhasmany Campos, Joselito Vaca, Edivaldo Rojas (photo), Christian Vargas and José Luis Chávez.

Fowards: Ricardo Pedriel, Alcides Peña, Marcelo Martins, Mauricio Saucedo and Juan Carlos Arce

Costa Rica Squad

Goalkeepers: Minor Alvarez (Belen), Leonel Moreira (Herediano), Danny Carvajal (San Carlos).

Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Kevin Fajardo (Santos), Jose Salvatierra (Alajuelense), Francisco Calvo (San Jacinto College/USA), Pedro Leal (Puntarenas), Oscar Duarte (Saprissa).

Midfielders: Allen Guevara (Alajuelense), David Guzman (Saprissa), Jose Cubero (Heredia), Hanzel Arauz (Santos), Luis Miguel Valle (Alajuelense), Diego Madrigal (Cerro Porteno/PAR)), Jorge Gatgens (Alajuelense).

Forwards: Josue Martinez (Saprissa), Joel Campbell (Saprissa), Randall Brenes (Cartagines), Jorge Castro (Saprissa), Cesar Elizondo (Saprissa)

Bolivia v Costa Rica Prediction

Bolivia wins 1-0

Bolivia v Costa Rica Betting Odds

Bolivia win – 10/11

Draw – 12/5

Costa Rica win – 3/1

Bolivia v Costa Rica Live Online

The match can be seen at Free Live Sports TV and Free Sports Online.

Bolivia v Costa Rica – Preview, Prediction, TV Listings, and Betting Odds – Copa America – 7 July 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Colombia defeated Costa Rica 1-0 in the 2011 Copa America on Saturday, July 2, 2011.

Colombia 1-0 Costa Rica Video Highlights

The match highlights can be viewed here at Free Soccer Highlights.

Colombia 1-0 Costa Rica Recap

An early red could would prove to be crucial as Colombia won their opening match of the Copa America.

A red card was given to Costa Rica’s Randall Brenes in the 27th minute after a late challenge. There was little complaint with the red card and Colombia would take advantage in the 44th minute. Gustavo Ramos would run onto a through ball, take a dribble, and beat the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

The loss puts Costa Rica likely needing at least four points from their next two maches (Argentina & Bolivia) to advance. Colombia will face Argentina in their next match but will realistically be looking towards their Bolivia match to get another win.

Colombia 1-0 Costa Rica Match Stats

Colombia 1-0 Costa Rica – Video Highlights, Recap, and Match Stats – Copa America – 2 July 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

2001 Champions Colombia began the 2011 Copa America with a match against CONCACAF side Costa Rica. The match will take place at Estadio 23 de Agosto in San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina on Saturday, July 2, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 14:30 EST (USA Eastern), 19:30 BST (UK time), and 15:30 local time in Argentina.

Colombia v Costa Rica TV Listings

It will be televised on ESPN (UK), Univision (USA), EuroSport World (Canada), C+ Liga (Spain), C+ Sport (France), Sport 1 (Germany), YouTube (International), Sport TV1 (Portugal), NTV+ Football (Russia), Sky Sport (Italy), SuperSport (Africa), and on Al Jazeera Sport (Middle East).

Colombia v Costa Rica Preview

Colombia manager Hernan Dario Gomez

“I have it clear in this regard, if we don’t qualify for the second phase I’m going because I will have failed, it’s as simple as that. It won’t just be that I’m going; they’ll sack me.”

Costa Rica manager Ricardo La Volpe

“I have great confidence in them. I’m taking the pressure off them. They must play without fear.”

Colombia Squad

Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Niza, FRA) and Luis Martínez (Once Caldas).

Defenders: Mario Yepes (AC Milan, ITA), Aquivaldo Mosquera (América, MEX), Luis Amaranto Perea (Atlético Madrid, SPA), Cristian Zapata (Udinese, ITA), Pabro Armero (Udinese, ITA), Camilo Zúñiga (Nápoles, ITA), Yulian Anchico (Pachuca, MEX) and Juan David Valencia (Junior).

Midfielders: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Udinese, ITA), Elkin Soto (Maguncia, GER), Abel Aguilar (Hércules, SPA), Fredy Guarín (FC Porto, POR), Carlos Sánchez (Valenciennes, FRA) and Gustavo Bolívar (Tolima).

Strikers: Hugo Rodallega (Wigan, ENG), Adrián Ramos (Hertha, GER), Teófilo Gutiérrez (Racing, ARG), Radamel Falcao García (FC Porto, POR), Jackson Martínez (Jaguares, MEX) and Dayro Moreno (Once Caldas).

Costa Rica Squad

Goalkeepers: Minor Alvarez (Belen), Leonel Moreira (Herediano), Danny Carvajal (San Carlos).

Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Kevin Fajardo (Santos), Jose Salvatierra (Alajuelense), Francisco Calvo (San Jacinto College/USA), Pedro Leal (Puntarenas), Oscar Duarte (Saprissa).

Midfielders: Allen Guevara (Alajuelense), David Guzman (Saprissa), Jose Cubero (Heredia), Hanzel Arauz (Santos), Luis Miguel Valle (Alajuelense), Diego Madrigal (Cerro Porteno/PAR)), Jorge Gatgens (Alajuelense).

Forwards: Josue Martinez (Saprissa), Joel Campbell (Saprissa), Randall Brenes (Cartagines), Jorge Castro (Saprissa), Cesar Elizondo (Saprissa).

Colombia v Costa Rica Prediction

Colombia wins 2-1

Colombia v Costa Rica Betting Odds

Colombia win – 1/3

Draw – 7/2

Costa Rica win – 9/1

Colombia v Costa Rica Live Online

The match can be see at Free Live Sports TV & Free Sports Online.

Colombia v Costa Rica – Preview, Prediction, TV Listings, and Betting Odds – Copa America – 2 July 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog

Honduras defeated Costa Rica 1-1 (4-2 on penalties) in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Saturday, June 18, 2011.

Costa Rica 1-1 Honduras Video Highlights

The match highlights can be viewed here at Free Soccer Highlights.

Costa Rica 1-1 Honduras Recap

It was an even match but once again Honduras edged Costa Rica to move into the Gold Cup semifinals.

After Honduras grabbed a 1-0 lead with a 48th minute Jerry Bengston goal, Costa Rica leveled with a Dennis Marshall 55th minute strike. They would have a chance to take the lead in the 75th minute but Alvaro Saborio failed to convert a penalty kick.

The missed penalty would come back to haunt Costa Rica as the match would go to penalty kick. Honduras would take a quick 1-0 lead in the shoot-out and clinch the win with Jerry Bengston converting in the 4th round.

Honduras will now play Mexico in the semifinals on June 22nd.

Costa Rica 1-1 Honduras Match Stats

Costa Rica 1-1 (2-4) Honduras – Video Highlights, Recap, and Match Stats – CONCACAF Gold Cup – 18 June 2011 - The 90th Minute Soccer Blog