MIAMI, Florida – Mexico and Costa Rica are two sides that know each other very well, and it promises to be an interesting affair when the nations meet in the semifinals of the Concacaf Nations League Finals on June 3.

There will be no shortage of key match-ups on the field, with these three among the must-sees.

Hirving Lozano vs. Kendall Waston

These two players got very acquainted with each other when El Tricolor faced the Ticos in a friendly this past March. Veteran center back Waston has a physical advantage over Lozano in terms of height and weight, but Mexico’s Napoli FW is so strong when it comes to movement in the box and is also a threat on aerial balls. Lozano needs just the slightest bit of space to make an opponent pay, so Waston’s experience and intelligence will be paramount to try to keep the 25-year-old under wraps.

Johan Venegas vs. Carlos Salcedo

Costa Rica boast plenty of weapons in attack, with Venegas being a threat anytime he has the ball at his feet in the area. The 32-year-old is in scorching form, scoring 11 goals for Alajuelense since the start of the year, but he will be up against center back Salcedo who just six months ago helped guide Tigres to the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League title. The 27-year-old has emerged as a defensive leader, helping keep El Tricolor’s defense organized and compact when needed. No doubt that Salcedo will be leading the charge on making sure Venegas has a quiet evening.

Jonathan dos Santos vs. Allan Cruz

While the play of each side’s goal-scorers and defenders will be important, the argument can be made that this match will be won by whichever team is able to control the midfield. That is where these two players come into the picture. Dos Santos’ importance cannot be stated enough. Always serving as an outlet and a player who can disrupt an opponent’s attack, Dos Santos does a lot of work so that Mexico’s other midfielders like Hector Herrera and Andres Guardado can have success. Dos Santos will be tasked with trying prevent Allan Cruz from doing similarly for Costa Rica. Another player with a workmanlike attitude, Cruz seems to be everywhere when he is on the field. Whichever player is best able to impose himself on the proceedings will have a good chance of swinging the match his team’s way.