Costa Rica vs Zambia – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
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THE FACTS
When is Costa Rica vs Zambia on and what time does it start? Costa Rica vs Zambia will take place on Monday 31st July, 2023 – 09:00 (UK)
Where is Costa Rica vs Zambia taking place? Costa Rica vs Zambia will take place at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Where can I get tickets for Costa Rica vs Zambia? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Costa Rica vs Zambia
What channel is Costa Rica vs Zambia on in the UK? Costa Rica vs Zambia will be televised live on ITV4
Where can I stream Costa Rica vs Zambia in the UK? Costa Rica vs Zambia will be streamed on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
COSTA RICA
- In just their second ever FIFA Women’s World Cup, the world number 36 side Costa Rica have already been eliminated in what is one of the most lopsided groups in the entire tournament.
- The Costa Ricans began with a hammering at the hands of one of the pre-tournament favourites, Spain, which was followed up with a 2-0 loss to another team hoping to go deep, Japan.
ZAMBIA
- Spain and Japan will both anticipate runs towards the quarters, semis or even final whereas both Costa Rica and Zambia are among the weaker sides in the competition. Zambia have, like their opponents, already been eliminated.
- The Zambians were hammered 5-0 by Japan in their opening encounter before then being annihilated by five goals to nil against Spain in their second match.
THE TEAM NEWS
COSTA RICA
PREDICTED XI (4-4-1-1): Solera; Coto, Villalobos, Benavides, Elizondo; Herrera, Granados, Alvarado, Guillen; Salas, Chinchilla
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
ZAMBIA
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Musonda; Belemu, Musesa, Mweemba, Tembo; Lungu, Banda; Mapepa, Katongo, Kundananji; Banda
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- This is the first meeting at senior level between these two nations. They did, however, meet in the group stage at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup when Zambia came from behind to win 2-1. Zambia’s captain Barbra Banda featured in the match at the age of 14.
- Costa Rica are without a win in their previous five FIFA Women’s World Cup matches (D2 L3).
- Costa Rica have not scored in their last three FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
- Katherine Alvarado, Cristin Granados and Melissa Herrera are the only three players to have featured in all of Costa Rica’s five FIFA Women’s World Cup matches (3-2015, 2-2023).
- An appearance by Costa Rica’s Sheika Scott (16y 282d) would see her become the second youngest player to play three FIFA Women’s World Cup group matches after Cecilia Santiago (16y 259d) of Mexico (2011).
- Zambia have lost their two FIFA Women’s World Cup matches without scoring a goal.
THE PREDICTION
These two sides have had to put up with Japan and Spain teams that will have realistic dreams of winning this tournament. With that in mind, their respective records have a saving grace but, it probably does go without saying, they have been among, if not the, worst performing sides in the competition. Despite their similar records, Costa Rica remain the generally better side and a Costa Rican victory, albeit by a small margin, seems likely.
TIP: COSTA RICA TO WIN
