The Ticos are looking to bounce back from Friday's 1-0 loss to the United States, a game played in snowy conditions in Commerce City, Colorado. In contrast, the weather at game time in San Jose is anticipated to be a pleasant 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with only a slight chance of rain.
More important than the weather for Costa Rica, however, is that it finally gets to play in front of its home supporters after opening the Hexagonal with two road outings. The Costa Rican Football Federation announced Monday that the game is sold out and the fans will be sure to offer their encouragement vociferously in an effort to be the "12th man."
Throughout the years, Costa Rica has enjoyed a significant advantage over Jamaica in World Cup Qualifying, winning five times in seven meetings. They have not squared off in the competition since November 11, 2001 in Kingston - William Sun Sing scored early in a 1-0 triumph for the Tricolor.
Costa Rica head Jorge Luis Pinto realizes, though, that Jamaica promises to pose a stiffer challenge this time around. The Reggae Boyz's impressive 0-0 draw at Mexico on Matchday One is a case in point.
"Jamaica is a good team that reduces the space, as it did in Mexico, looking for short blocks and play on the counterattack," Pinto commented. "We know clearly and have identified who they play with as a target man, and the rest."
In a tactical move, Pinto announced that 20-year-old forward Joel Campbell will be in the starting squad.
"I cannot anticipate how we will play, because I will not give ammunition to our rival, but I can say that Joel (Campbell) is in the initial starting line-up," said the Colombian. "We have analyzed Jamaica and we believe that they will make an approach similar to that they presented in the game against Mexico."
Campbell, who is on loan to Real Betis in Spain from England's Arsenal, is an intriguing talent. In 2011, he made for an answer to a possible trivia question, scoring goals in the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Copa America and the FIFA U-20 World Cup. His speed, sharp movement and ability to put shots on net will be an asset to a team that struggled to find the target against the United States.
For Jamaica, which has two points in two games, the offensive burden is anticipated to be handed over to the duo of Jermaine Beckford and Luton Shelton.
Beckford, 29, made his World Cup Qualifying debut in Friday's 2-2 draw against Panama, while Shelton has 35 career international goals, including nine in 15 all-time qualifiers.
