Costa Rica appear at the Copa America for the fifth time. And this first time thanks to qualification through winning the Copa Centroamericana. But this is a very different side from the one that stunned the world and went only one penalty away from reaching the semi-finals at the World Cup two years ago. The main difference now is that the incredible skipper Jorge Luis Pinto is not there, and quite frankly, since that World Cup Costa Rica just do not perform at that level. Just think that Pinto had the chance to be in charge for three consecutive years, something that has not happened at San José for over 55 years. And in actual fact Costa Rica have already changed managed another time since Pinto left.
Paraguay on the other hand are a team totally based on temperament, and discipline. These qualities are always a powerful asset in the Copa America. Given the current disarray that Costa Rica find themselves in, Paraguay’s superior mentality and organisation can make the difference here. At odds of 13/8, Paraguay to win looks a solid bet.