The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup knockout stage heats up this Sunday as the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) faces Costa Rica in a thrilling quarterfinal clash at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), answering the burning question for fans: ¿A qué hora juega Costa Rica mañana? and ¿Cuándo juega Costa Rica vs Estados Unidos?
This match promises drama, tactical intrigue, and a battle between two teams with contrasting Gold Cup narratives. Will the USMNT continue their dominant run, or will Costa Rica’s resilient defense and legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas spring a surprise?
USMNT’s Road to the Quarterfinals: Redemption After Rocky Build-Up
The USMNT roster entered this tournament under scrutiny after a dismal run of four consecutive losses—including friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, followed by CONCACAF Nations League defeats to Panama and Canada. However, they’ve silenced doubters with a perfect Group D campaign, defeating Trinidad and Tobago (5-0), Saudi Arabia (1-0), and Haiti (2-1).
With 8 goals scored and only 1 conceded, the U.S. defense has been among the tournament’s best. Yet, the absence of key players like Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, and Folarin Balogun (resting or injured) has forced manager Mauricio Pochettino to rely on emerging talents.
Malik Tillman has been a revelation, earning high praise from Pochettino:
“What a player, no? What a player that is showing in this camp his talent and ability.”
Veteran Tyler Adams emphasized the need for focus against Costa Rica’s counterattacking threat:
“We have to understand that they’re probably most dangerous when we have the ball, because one mistake and they’re ready to pounce.”
Meanwhile, Tim Ream stressed intensity:
“We have to be intense and aggressive with and without the ball.”
This match is more than just a quarterfinal—it’s a proving ground for players eyeing the 2026 FIFA World Cup roster.
Costa Rica’s Challenge: Can “El Piojo” Herrera Pull Off an Upset?
Costa Rica’s journey to the knockout stage saw them finish second in Group A with 7 points, including gritty wins over Suriname (4-3) and the Dominican Republic (2-1), plus a hard-fought 0-0 draw against defending champions Mexico.
Under new manager Miguel Herrera (“El Piojo”), Los Ticos have adopted a disciplined 5-3-2 formation, designed to press high and disrupt opponents. However, they’ll be without top scorer Manfred Ugalde (3 goals, all penalties) and left-back Joseph Mora, both suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
Despite these absences, Herrera remains defiant:
“We’re undefeated and ready for a tougher match than we’ve seen so far. It’s difficult afrontar las circunstancias. Tenemos cinco jugadores fuera, pero son 21 disponibles.”
The selección de fútbol de Costa Rica still boasts Keylor Navas, the 38-year-old goalkeeping legend who remains a “formidable shot-stopper with incredible reflexes”, making 11 saves in the group stage. Rising stars like Josimar Alcócer (match-winning goals vs. Suriname & DR) and versatile forward Alonso Martínez add attacking flair.
Historical Context: USMNT’s Gold Cup Dominance vs. Costa Rica’s Resilience
This marks the 44th meeting between these rivals, with the USMNT holding a 20-17-6 edge. More crucially, Costa Rica has never beaten the U.S. in Gold Cup history (0 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses).
Yet, memories of the 2013 “Snow Clasico” and Costa Rica’s unbeaten home record against the USMNT serve as reminders that Los Ticos thrive as underdogs.
Tactical Battle & Prediction: Will Navas Steal the Show?
Costa Rica will likely sit deep, cede possession, and limit U.S. chances, replicating their defensive masterclass against Mexico. The USMNT must break down a compact 5-3-2 block, requiring precision in the final third.
Key Factors:
- USMNT’s finishing woes: They may need 6-7 chances to beat Navas.
- Costa Rica’s counterattacks: With just 3-4 opportunities, they could punish defensive lapses.
- Betting odds favor the USMNT (-176 to -192), but Navas’ heroics make an upset plausible.
How to Watch:
- Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)
- Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
- TV/Streaming: Fox Sports, Univision, TUDN
Don’t miss this 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup knockout stage thriller—where history, tactics, and pride collide!
doragon sports 