United States vs. Costa Rica: World Cup Qualifying Match Preview

Landon Donovan and the United States will face Costa Rica tonight in FIFA World Cup Qualifying.

The United States men’s national team has traveled to San Juan, Costa Rica and is set to face “Los Ticos” tonight (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2) in the latest round of FIFA 2010 World Cup Qualifying.

The Yanks, who have never won a game at Costa Rica’s stadium, “Estadio Saprissa”, will look to make their last game there a victory. Saprissa is to be replaced by a new stadium currently under construction.

Estadio Saprissa presents an environment to the Nats equally difficult as traveling to Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Although the venue only holds 24,000 people, the close proximity and steep angle of the stands can rattle any player’s nerves.

The stadium, along with its intimate surroundings, presents a problem on the pitch. Instead of a grass, field turf is the surface used.

The U.S. squad has their share of health concerns. The first and second choice right fullbacks are sidelined and uncertainty surrounds striker Jozy Altidore as he attempts to bounce back from surgery on both of his big toes, although Head Coach Bob Bradley has stated Altidore is healthy enough to make an appearance, maybe even start.

Both fullback positions remain unclear as to who will start. At right back, both Steve Cherundolo and Frankie Hejduk have been ruled out due to injury.

The race right now is between Marvell Wynne and Jonathan Spector. Wynne is the better athlete, but Spector has experience in the form of the English Premier League on his side. Bradley should go with the experienced Spector for this harsh road environment.

At left back there is even more ambiguity. Will Bob Bradley continue with his DaMarcus Beasley experiment and start him at left back for only his second game? Or is Bradley more inclined to start Jonathan Bornstein?

Bornstein, who is having a solid year for Chivas USA in MLS, is very familiar with Bob Bradley and that could benefit him. Beasley should get the nod, if only because of his surprising performance last game against the speedy Carlos Edwards of Trinidad & Tobago.

The question of who to start alongside Michael Bradley in midfield is mostly settled for this match. Pablo Mastroeni had a solid showing against T&T and his World Cup experience will come in to play against Costa Rica. Mastroeni’s defensive mindset will hopefully allow Bob Bradley’s son, Michael, to push forward in the field and add another dimension to the U.S. attack.

Speaking of the U.S. attack, look for Landon Donovan to start at left midfield if Jozy Altidore is in the starting XI. Donovan’s ability to run at defenders with the ball at his feet will permit Altidore and strike partner Brian Ching to move freely up top and make diagonal runs. If Altidore doesn’t start, Donovan will presumably be deployed as a withdrawn forward playing behind Ching.

A seemingly forgotten man for the United States, Clint Dempsey, had one of the most impressive seasons for an American abroad while playing for English Premier League side, Fulham. Dempsey struggled for playing time early in the season, but burst on to the scene with a brace against Chelsea and ended the English campaign with seven goals. Look for Dempsey to impose his will on Costa Rican defenders with his combination of skill, size and heading ability.

From back to front, this U.S. squad isn’t the strongest it has ever fielded, but they will be well prepared. Experience litters the roster with the center back pair of Oguchi Onyewu and Carlos Bocanegra, the U.S. Captain.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard led his English team, Everton, to the F.A. Cup Final and the communication he has with his back line will be critical in a loud stadium like the Saprissa.

Here is my projected lineup for the Americans this evening:

GK – Tim Howard
RB – Jonathan Spector
CB – Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra
LB – DaMarcus Beasley
RM – Clint Dempsey
CM – Michael Bradley, Pablo Mastroeni
LM – Landon Donovan
F – Brian Ching, Jozy Altidore

Look for the United States to “park the bus” early as they attempt to absorb the Costa Rican attack. “Los Ticos” will undoubtedly be inspired by their fans and deservedly so. Costa Rica currently sits behind only the United States in CONCACAF Qualifying for next summer’s World Cup in South Africa.

A tie in this match is probable, but look for both squads to get on the score sheet. My prediction is United States 2, Costa Rica 1.