ORLANDO, Florida. - Costa Rica opens its 2021 Gold Cup with a solid mix of veterans and young promising talent, but it can't overlook Guadeloupe in its group stage opener Monday at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando.
Guadeloupe had to fight its way into the Gold Cup as a Prelims entrant, but the team has displayed some progress -- especially in the 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League season. Raphael Mirval, who has played intermittingly since his 2018 debut with 11 caps, was impressive in that campaign -- lighting it up with seven goals in three games.
The history between the two sides should give Costa Rica confidence. This is the third matchup between the two sides, with Los Ticos having won the first two encounters. In the 2007 Gold Cup, Costa Rica edged Guadeloupe 1-0 in their Group A match. Costa Rica was more assured in the rematch in the 2009 Gold Cup quarterfinals tie, with Los Ticos winning 5-1.
With 11 years having passed since that match, both teams enter the Gold Cup with a sense of optimism and a desire to show how they've grown.
Costa Rica hopes legend Bryan Ruiz will bring savvy leadership and can bring some of the magic he's shown in previous Gold Cups. The former Fulham No. 10 has made 20 appearances in the Concacaf tournament and has 129 caps to his name -- third all-time in Costa Rica's history. Ruiz doesn't have the pace of his younger days, but he remains a threat due to his technical skill. His production will be critical for a Costa Rica side that has had some turnover in its squad.
Guadeloupe comes into the match against Costa Rica with a lot of confidence after it defeated Guatemala in a 10-9 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the Second Round of the 2021 Gold Cup Prelims. It was that result that saw it book a ticket to this summer's action.
There is plenty of belief in both Costa Rica and Guadeloupe as both teams feel they have a chance to advance out of the group. It will be exciting to see which team can secure the edge in the opener Monday.
Game Notes Costa Rica vs Guadeloupe
