CONCACAF Nations League - Watch Mexico vs Costa Rica on June 3, 2021

Topics: CONCACAF Nations League, Mexico, Costa Rica, TV Schedules, TV Listings

One of the most intense rivalries in the CONCACAF region will determine a spot in the tournament's final. Get a hold on this game with our guide.

The first edition of the CONCACAF Nations League will come to an end this week, and the top four teams in CONCACAF are ready to fight for a spot in the finals this Thursday, and the clash between Mexico and Costa Rica will certainly become one of the most exciting to watch around the world.

El Tri's impressive run under coach Gerardo Martino came to an end in the past international break, but the team's defensive prowess and on-point skills in front of goal have given them a chance to dream about the title. Meanwhile, Los Ticos will try to shock the Mexican side after a streak that has seen them failing to win a game in their past six outings, which include a one-nil loss to Mexico back in March.

With a busy summer ahead, coach Martino will have to choose wisely for this game. Their struggles up front will continue due to the unavailability of Raúl Jiménez, which will open the gates for strikers Henry Martín and Alan Pulido to fill that void. Added to Wolverhampton's main man, the absences of Javier "Chicharito" Hernández and Rodolfo Pizarro have also caught the attention of specialized journalists, although they will be covered by players such as Diego Lainez and Hirving Lozano, the heart and soul of Mexico's offense.

As for Costa Rica, Ronald González's men will be desperate to end their winless run that goes back to November 2019, when they claimed their spot in the CONCACAF Nations League semis against Curazao. With that in mind, and considering that Los Ticos are currently on a rebuilding process, coach González decided to call up a mix of seasoned veterans that will help grow some of their younger talents. The team's most notable absence will be that of Keylor Navas, leaving the Costa Rican net to be guarded by Esteban Alvarado, Leonel Moreira, or 22-year old Patrick Sequeira, who is following Keylor's footsteps with Celta Vigo in La Liga.

This will be the first CONCACAF Nations League game between these teams, but it will not be the first match between these sides by far. Up to this point, El Tri and Los Ticos have played 51 games against each other, with the majority of those being won by Mexico (29). Meanwhile, the Central American team have won six times, and the remaining 16 have concluded in a draw. Their last game took place, as we mentioned before, back in March, and Mexico took home the win 1-0. Will that victory be a sign of things to come on Thursday?