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Goals are hard to come by in this edition of the Copa America being held in Argentina yet things could get more interesting as the competition progresses towards the knock out stages. With the first round of games out of the way, Bolivia and Costa Rica get ready to face off in a must win game at Jujuy’s Estadio 23 de Agosto on 7th July. Here’s a brief look at the two teams ahead of the Group A clash.
BOLIVIA
Last result: Argentina 1-1 Bolivia
If the Copa America wanted a shock opening, this match at La Plata was not short of a surprise as Lionel Messi’s Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by a stubborn Bolivian side that proved that 6-1 demolition of the same opponents in the thin air of La Paz in a World Cup Qualifying match couple of years ago was no fluke as Gustavo Quinteros’ boys were close to a deserved win until substitute Sergio Aguero came up with a brilliant equalizer twelve minutes from time.
With a point from the most difficult tie of the round, the Bolivians go into the match against an U-23 Costa Rican side as the firm favourites although Ricardo La Volpe’s side could be yet spring a few surprises before the closure of the group stage.
COSTA RICA
Costa Rica's chain smoking Argentinian coach
Last result: Colombia 1-0 Costa Rica
Costa Rica became the last team to confirm their participation for the Copa America 2011 after Japan pulled out of the competition for not being able to assemble a team. Composed of a largely U-23 side after the senior team participated in the Gold Cup last month, Argentinian La Volpe’s side gave a good account of themselves in the first game against an organized Colombian side but failed to overcome the early dismissal of key forward Randall Brenes that nullified the Costa Rican attack to a large extent.
A fearless young side and with a talented 18-year old Joel Campbell in the midst, Bolivia might just be troubled by the Central Americans in the quest for a quarter final spot. The tragic death of Dennis Marshall in a car accident after the Gold Cup seemed to have bonded the team more than ever.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Bolivia
Carlos Arias, Luis Alberto Gutierrez, Ronald Tylor Kuhn, Ronald Raldes, Lorgio Roca, Walter Flores, Jaime Robles, Joselito Vaca, Edvaldo Rojas, Jhasmani Campos, Marcelo Martins.
Costa Rica
Leonel Moreira, Francisco Calvo, Jhonny Acosta, Oscar Duarte, Jose Salvatierra, Pedro Leal, David Guzman, Jose Miguel Cubero, Allen Guevara, Diego Madrigal, Joel Cambell.
Prediction
Bolivia 1-1 Costa Rica
