Before entering the final match, the situation in Group D of the Copa America has almost collapsed with the overwhelming dominance of Brazil and Colombia. Therefore, the final group stage match between Costa Rica and Paraguay is likely to be merely ceremonial, although theoretically one of the two teams still has the possibility of advancing to the quarter-finals.

Expert analysis of Costa Rica vs Paraguay:
In a group with almost absolute dominance from the two strong opponents Brazil and Colombia, the fall of Costa Rica or Paraguay to the bottom of the standings was predicted beforehand. Even the 1 point that Costa Rica gained against Brazil could be considered a big surprise in the group stage, but overall it didn’t help much. Currently, Costa Rica is ahead with 1 point compared to Paraguay. In theory, Gustavo Alfaro’s team still has the possibility to advance with 1 point and the current goal difference, but that only happens if Brazil loses to Colombia by more than 3 goals and Costa Rica beats Paraguay with a similar margin. Clearly, this is a scenario that has less than a 1% chance of happening.

As for Paraguay, they will definitely have to leave the Copa America 2024 right after the group stage without any points before the final match. The two defeats against Colombia and Brazil have made coach Daniel Garnero’s team experience the fierceness of a difficult group. It can be said that Costa Rica and Paraguay have been very unlucky to fall into a group that almost has no opportunities.

The match between Costa Rica and Paraguay on July 3 will mainly be a gesture of gratitude to the fans and a farewell to the tournament, so both teams are likely to try to bring the most open and interesting competition possible. In terms of motivation, Costa Rica may be more eager for a victory because they still have some hope, but Paraguay is rated higher by betting experts for the winning odds.

Review of the past head-to-head records of Costa Rica and Paraguay:
It has been quite a while since Costa Rica and Paraguay last faced each other, precisely the last encounter between the two teams was in 2016. In the last 5 meetings, Costa Rica won 1, Paraguay enjoyed the full joy twice, and the remaining 2 matches ended in a draw.

Costa Rica vs Paraguay betting odds:
For a match with not too much importance, perhaps the two coaches Gustavo Alfaro and Daniel Garnero will create opportunities for substitute players who have not had many chances to play in this year’s tournament. On the Costa Rican side, forward Ugalde will be suspended for receiving 2 yellow cards in the matches against Brazil and Colombia, while Paraguay will have their strongest lineup available.

Paraguay -0.5: Unlike Costa Rica, a team that can be said to be weak in both attack and defense, Paraguay still belongs to the group of average teams in the South American region and has caused difficulties for the giants many times. In a pure test of strength, Paraguay will be rated higher by experts than Costa Rica vs Paraguay.
Over 2/2.5: With no motivation to compete or play, perhaps Costa Rica and Paraguay understand that their fans do not want to say goodbye to the tournament with a dull 90 minutes. Therefore, these two teams will try to play as openly and expansively as possible to at least not make the match have few goals.
Both teams to score – Yes: The determination to score from both sides in this match is there, especially from Costa Rica. In the last two matches, their fans have not celebrated a goal at all, while Paraguay with a slightly stronger attack will certainly not be easy to deal with.

Information about the situation of Costa Rica and Paraguay’s forces

Costa Rica: Manfred Ugalde is absent due to suspension Paraguay has the best full strength

Predicted line-up for the match between Costa Rica and Paraguay

Costa Rica (3-4-3): Sequeira, Mitchell, Vargas, Calvo, Guiros, Galo, Aguirela, Lassiter, Zamora, Madrigal, Joel Campbell.
Paraguay (4-2-3-1): Morinigo, Velazquez, Balbuena, Alderete, Espinoza, Cubas, Villasanti, Bobadilla, Enciso, Almiron, Arce.

Costa Rica vs Paraguay prediction: 1-2