- Fixture: Costa Rica vs Dominican Republic
- Date: Wednesday, 18 June 2025
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Match Preview
Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic face off in a crucial Group A encounter at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, marking the first time these two nations have met at this stage of the competition. The match will be played at the impressive AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a venue known for its electric atmosphere and capacity to host major international fixtures. With Costa Rica looking to cement their place atop the group and the Dominican Republic eager for a historic first Gold Cup win, both teams have plenty at stake.
Costa Rica enters this fixture on a high after a dramatic 4-3 victory over Suriname in their opening match. The Ticos surged ahead early with goals from Alonso Martínez and Manfred Ugalde, only to be pegged back by a spirited Surinamese comeback. Josimar Alcócer leveled things up before Ugalde converted a stoppage-time penalty to secure all three points. Veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas was instrumental, making several crucial saves to keep his side in the contest. However, the win came at a cost: forward Warren Madrigal suffered a fractured left fibula and will miss the rest of the tournament, forcing coach Miguel Herrera to shuffle his attacking options.
The Dominican Republic, meanwhile, made a spirited Gold Cup debut but ultimately fell 3-2 to defending champions Mexico. Despite the defeat, coach Marcelo Neveleff’s side showed impressive resilience, twice reducing the deficit and nearly grabbing a late equalizer. Peter Federico González and Edison Azcona scored historic goals for the Dominicans, marking their first ever in Gold Cup history. The squad displayed tactical discipline and attacking intent, with Luiy De Lucas coming close to leveling in stoppage time. Encouragingly, the Dominican Republic has no new injury or suspension concerns heading into this clash.
Recent form suggests Costa Rica are favorites, having won four of their last five matches, including emphatic Gold Cup qualifying victories over Belize (6-1 and 7-0). The Dominican Republic, for their part, have shown improvement, with a 5-0 win over Dominica in World Cup qualifying earlier this month, although they also suffered a 4-2 loss to Guatemala. Both teams will be eager to build momentum, but Costa Rica’s pedigree and experience at this level could prove decisive.
With the group stage heating up, expect Costa Rica to control possession and look for early breakthroughs, while the Dominican Republic will aim to exploit counterattacks and set pieces. The loss of Madrigal is a blow for Los Ticos, but their depth and the presence of Keylor Navas in goal should provide stability. For the Dominicans, the attacking duo of González and Azcona will be key if they are to pull off an upset.
Key Players
- Costa Rica:
- Keylor Navas (GK): The veteran stopper remains a match-winner with his reflexes and leadership.
- Manfred Ugalde (FW): Scored twice against Suriname, including the decisive penalty.
- Josimar Alcócer (MF): Creative spark, scored a vital equalizer in the last match.
- Alonso Martínez (FW): Opened the scoring in the previous game and offers pace on the flank.
- Dominican Republic:
- Peter Federico González (FW): Scored the nation’s first ever Gold Cup goal and is a constant attacking threat.
- Edison Azcona (MF): Netted a superb solo goal against Mexico and is crucial for creativity.
- Luiy De Lucas (MF): Nearly scored a dramatic late equalizer and brings energy to midfield.
- Heinz Mörschel (MF): Provided the assist for Azcona’s goal, offering vision and passing range.
Prediction
Costa Rica’s experience and quality should see them through, but the Dominican Republic have shown they can compete with top teams and won’t make it easy. Expect Costa Rica to dominate possession and create more chances, with the Dominicans relying on quick transitions and set pieces. The absence of Warren Madrigal is a setback for Los Ticos, but their depth up front should compensate. Prediction: Costa Rica 3-1 Dominican Republic.
Betting Markets
| Market | Odds (Fractional) | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica to Win | 1/3 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 21/5 | Bet Now |
| Dominican Republic Win | 31/4 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 8/13 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score | 11/10 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score 3-1 | 10/1 | Bet Now |
| Manfred Ugalde Anytime | 7/5 | Bet Now |
Odds are subject to change. Gamble responsibly.
Enjoy the match and the Gold Cup action!
