Costa Rica vs. USA result: USMNT backs into 2022 World Cup, securing qualification despite 2-0 defeat

Kyle Bonn

Costa Rica vs. USA result: USMNT backs into 2022 World Cup, securing qualification despite 2-0 defeat image

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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??

57th min: CHANCE, USA! It's Keylor Navas AGAIN who 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.

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!

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.

A microcosm of the first 45 minutes:

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.

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. WHAT a play by the U.S. number six. That goal kick deserved better, but not on Adams' watch. Guess he's feeling ok!

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.

8th min: CHANCE, USA! Miles Robinson is a force on 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.

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.

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.

9:00 p.m.: National anthems are on. Everybody knows the stakes, for both sides. Here we go!

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.

8:18 p.m.: MASCOT PARTY!

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.

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.

7:22 p.m.: It's been a while since the U.S. qualified for a World Cup...but who's counting?

7:10 p.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?

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.

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 suspensions apparently do carry over to the intercontinental playoff. Costa Rica has a whopping nine players who would earn a suspension with a yellow card, including Francisco CalvoBryan OviedoCelso BorgesJoel CampbellAlonso Martinez, and Keysher Fuller, all of whom started the last match against El Salvador, plus substitutes Bryan Ruiz and Johan 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 of Brandon AguileraJewison Bennette, and Anthony Contreras come 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 Weah returns from his yellow card suspension to start on the wing, as Paul Arriola was withdrawn at halftime of the Panama match with a knock and does not appear on the bench. Reggie Cannon is 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 Pulisic starts for the third match of three, but the captain's armband goes to Walker Zimmerman this time. Gio Reyna has 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 Torre was excellent in each of his last two starts against Honduras and Panama, and Gianluca Busio looked good off the bench in Orlando, but Yunus Musah returns to the midfield instead.

In-form goalkeeper Ethan Horvath was 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 Pepi is back up front despite Jesus 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 streamed on fuboTV, and new users can take advantage of a 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

Kyle Bonn

Kyle Bonn Photo

Kyle Bonn, is a Syracuse University broadcast journalism graduate with over a decade of experience covering soccer globally. Kyle specializes in soccer tactics and betting, with a degree in data analytics. Kyle also does TV broadcasts for Wake Forest soccer, and has had previous stops with NBC Soccer and IMG College. When not covering the game, he has long enjoyed loyalty to the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham. Kyle enjoys playing racquetball and video games when not watching or covering sports.