Friendlies: Argentina vs Costa Rica Preview, Lineups, Match Info and Time

Argentina vs Costa Rica
MATCH INFO
MATCH :	Argentina vs Costa Rica
COMPETITION :	Friendlies
DATE:	27-03-2024
TIME:	08.20 AM IST (UTC +5:30) 6.50 AM UAE
STADIUM	United Airlines Field at Los Angeles

Match Live Info

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Prediction and Preview

 Argentina 2 -  0 Costa Rica

Argentina possible starting lineup:

E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Alvarez, L Martinez, Gonzalez

Costa Rica possible starting lineup:

Navas; Taylor, Cascante, Arboine, Calvo, Mora; Madrigal, Galo, Brenes, Campbell; Ugalde

Argentina's national team is facing significant absences due to injuries, with star forward Lionel Messi sidelined with a right hamstring injury and Paulo Dybala also missing out due to an adductor problem. The absence of these key attackers poses a challenge for the team's offensive strategy.

Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen's influential midfielder Exequiel Palacios has been ruled out due to injury, joining Marcos Senesi on the sidelines, further depleting Argentina's midfield options.

Manager Lionel Scaloni has made notable changes to the squad compared to the previous selection in November, with players like Marcos Acuna, Lucas Ocampos, and Lucas Martinez Quarta not included in the current squad.

On the other side, Costa Rica's squad is anchored by the experienced Keylor Navas, with Joel Campbell and Francisco Calvo set to contribute their wealth of experience, boasting a combined 225 international caps between them.

However, Costa Rica's squad is largely comprised of players new to international football, with Elias Aguilar being one of the most experienced players with just 21 caps to his name.

The absence of veterans like Celso Borges, who recently retired from international football after earning 163 caps, as well as Oscar Duarte, Bryan Oviedo, and Kendall Waston, further underscores the transitional phase for Costa Rica's national team.

Both teams face challenges due to key absences and the introduction of new talent, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup between Argentina and Costa Rica.