Colombia took an early lead in Group D after they beat Paraguay 2-1 and Costa Rica held Brazil to a goalless draw on matchday one.
With both teams picking up positive results confidence will be high in both camps and that should make for a close and competitive match on Friday night.
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Colombia vs Costa Rica prediction: Narrow win for Los Cafeteros?
Key Stats
- The last two meetings between Colombia and Costa Rica have both produced over 2.5 goals.
- Both teams have scored in four of Colombia's last six outings.
- Costa Rica have only failed to score in two of their last six matches.
Correct score prediction: Colombia 2-1 Costa Rica
We're backing Colombia to claim a narrow 2-1 win against Costa Rica as Los Cafeteros have won six of their last seven games against the Central Americans. Colombia have also scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches and have only managed to keep two clean sheets during that period.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Colombia the big favourite
- HOME: 4/11 (1.36) – 73.3%
- DRAW: 41/10 (5.10) – 19.6%
- AWAY: 9/1 (10.00) – 10%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Colombia are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 73.3%, but we are expecting a close and competitive 90 minutes between the pair.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Last five H2Hs: Colombia dominate
Of their last five encounters, Colombia have won four times and lost once against Costa Rica, securing a 3-1 victory when the pair last locked horns in 2018.
International Match 17/10/18
Colombia
Costa Rica
Copa America 12/06/16
Colombia
Costa Rica
International Match 06/06/15
Colombia
Costa Rica
Colombia preview: Off to a winning start
Colombia were handed a setback early on against Paraguay when Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi picked up an injury.
Despite that blow, Colombia scored twice in the first half with both goals being assisted by James Rodriguez and although Paraguay pulled a goal back in the second 45, Los Cafeteros held firm and won their opening group game 2-1.
Predicted lineup: Vargas (GK), Mojica, Sánchez, Mina, Muñoz, Rodríguez, Lerma, Arias, Rios, Borré & Díaz
South America - World Cup Qualifying 26/03/25
D
Paraguay
2
Colombia
2
South America - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
L
Brazil
2
Colombia
1
South America - World Cup Qualifying 19/11/24
L
Ecuador
1
Colombia
0
South America - World Cup Qualifying 16/11/24
L
Uruguay
3
Colombia
2
South America - World Cup Qualifying 15/10/24
W
Chile
0
Colombia
4
Costa Rica preview: Secured a point against Brazil
In what was expected to be an easy opening game for Brazil turned out to be anything but as Costa Rica defended manfully to see out a goalless draw.
Brazil through everything at Los Ticos including their 17-year-old prospect Endrick but Gustavo Alfaro's men stayed strong and deserved their share of the spoils.
Predicted lineup: Sequeira (GK), Calvo, Vargas, Quirós, Mitchell, Galo, Brenes, Aguilera, Lassiter, Ugalde & Zamora
CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifying 26/03/25
W
Belize
1
Costa Rica
6
CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifying 22/03/25
W
Belize
0
Costa Rica
7
International Match 23/01/25
L
USA
3
Costa Rica
0
CONCACAF Nations League 19/11/24
D
Panama
2
Costa Rica
2
CONCACAF Nations League 15/11/24
L
Panama
1
Costa Rica
0
Player to watch – James Rodriguez
Everyone knew heading into the 2024 Copa America that James Rodriguez would be key to Colombia's chances of going far in the USA.
On matchday one, against Paraguay, James set-up both goals in a 2-1 victory for Los Cafeteros in his 101st appearance for his country and with Brazil only managing a draw with Costa Rica, that result put Colombia top of Group D.
Will James be the man to unlock the Costa Rica defence?
We're backing James to provide the key to unlocking what proved to be a well-organised Costa Rica defence against Brazil as he has the creativity and vision from open play to spot a pass as well as being an expert set-piece taker.