Colombia vs Costa Rica is one of the most exciting matches in Copa America 2024, drawing attention from football fans worldwide. Both teams have a strong competitive history, with Colombia showcasing its attacking prowess and Costa Rica known for its resilient defense.
This match is crucial for both sides as they aim to advance to the knockout stage. With star players like Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez for Colombia and Keylor Navas and Joel Campbell for Costa Rica, fans can expect an intense battle.
From match highlights to expert predictions, here’s everything you need to know about this thrilling encounter.
Colombia vs Costa Rica Copa America 2024 Match Preview
The highly anticipated Colombia vs Costa Rica Copa America 2024 match is set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 28, 2024. As part of the group stage, this match holds significant importance, as both teams are aiming to secure a spot in the knockout round. Colombia, known for its attacking football, comes into the match as the favorite, but Costa Rica has a history of delivering surprises on big occasions.
Team Line-ups and Key Players to Watch
Colombia’s squad features Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, and Dávinson Sánchez, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and attacking prowess. Costa Rica, on the other hand, relies on the skills of Joel Campbell, Keylor Navas, and Brandon Aguilera, who are capable of turning the game in their favor. The tactical battle between Colombia’s aggressive attack and Costa Rica’s solid defense is expected to be the key highlight of this encounter.
Colombia vs Costa Rica Match Results & Final Score
The Colombia vs Costa Rica match ended in an intense 2-1 victory for Colombia. The match was a thriller from start to finish, with both teams displaying high levels of skill, endurance, and tactical discipline.
Key Statistics from the Match
- Possession: Colombia (55%) – Costa Rica (45%)
- Shots on Target: Colombia (7) – Costa Rica (3)
- Corners: Colombia (6) – Costa Rica (4)
- Fouls: Colombia (12) – Costa Rica (9)
The game started with Luis Díaz scoring an early goal, giving Colombia an early advantage. However, Costa Rica responded well, equalizing with a penalty from Joel Campbell. The second half saw Colombia increase the pressure, and in the 75th minute, Duván Zapata secured the winning goal with a powerful header.
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Colombia vs Costa Rica Highlights: Key Moments
The match was filled with breathtaking moments, with both teams fighting for dominance.
Goals and Assists
- 20th Minute – Colombia Goal: Luis Díaz scored a stunning shot from outside the box, assisted by James Rodríguez.
- 38th Minute – Costa Rica Equalizer: Joel Campbell converted a penalty, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
- 75th Minute – Winning Goal: Duván Zapata scored a header from a corner kick, sealing the win for Colombia.
Video and Image Sources
For full match highlights, fans can check official sources such as FIFA’s YouTube channel, ESPN, and Fox Sports, which provide in-depth analysis, match replays, and player interviews.
Pre-Match Overview: Colombia vs Costa Rica 2025
As anticipation grew for the Colombia vs Costa Rica 2025 showdown, fans were eager to see how both national teams would perform in this critical group stage clash of the 2025 CONMEBOL-CONCACAF Cup.
Colombia came into the match with solid momentum, having secured a confident win in their previous game. In contrast, Costa Rica aimed to bounce back from a narrow defeat and prove their resilience on the international stage.
Key players to watch included Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez for Colombia—both instrumental in their recent performances—while Joel Campbell and Jewison Bennette led Costa Rica’s attacking hopes. The game took place at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla, Colombia, adding a home-field advantage for Los Cafeteros.
With high stakes and passionate supporters, the fan and media buzz centered on whether Colombia could maintain dominance or Costa Rica would spring a surprise. The match promised end-to-end action, tactical depth, and potential upsets.
Early Pressure and Missed Chances
The match kicked off with Colombia pressing high, using a 4-2-3-1 formation to overload the flanks and exploit Costa Rica’s defensive gaps. Costa Rica, in a more conservative 5-3-2 setup, focused on counterattacks and compact defending.
In the first 15 minutes, Colombia dominated possession and came close to scoring with Luis Díaz hitting the post from outside the box. Costa Rica responded with a breakaway chance by Joel Campbell, narrowly saved by Colombia’s keeper Camilo Vargas.
The defensive effort from Costa Rica’s backline—especially Francisco Calvo—kept them in the game despite Colombia’s attacking threat. Colombia continued their pressure but failed to convert two clear headers from set-pieces in the closing minutes.
Halftime score: Colombia 0-0 Costa Rica — a tense and balanced start.
Colombia vs Costa Rica Live Updates & Reactions
Social Media Buzz
The match created a storm on social media, with thousands of tweets and Instagram posts celebrating Colombia’s victory. Hashtags like #ColombiaVsCostaRica and #CopaAmerica2024 trended worldwide. Fans praised Luis Díaz’s brilliant goal, while Costa Rican supporters expressed disappointment over their team’s missed chances.
Expert Opinions & Player Interviews
- James Rodríguez: “We knew Costa Rica would be a tough opponent, but we stayed focused and got the job done.”
- Costa Rica’s Coach, Gustavo Alfaro: “We gave our best effort, but Colombia’s attack was too strong.”
Football pundits from ESPN and Fox Sports highlighted how Colombia’s tactical superiority helped them secure the win.
Colombia vs Costa Rica Prediction: What Experts Said Before the Game
Pre-Match Predictions vs. Actual Results
Before the match, analysts predicted a Colombia 2-0 win, expecting them to dominate possession. The actual result of 2-1 showed that Costa Rica put up a stronger fight than expected.
How Analysts Expected the Game to Unfold
- Colombia to dominate possession (55% possession)
- Costa Rica to defend deep and counter-attack (They scored on a penalty)
- James Rodríguez to be a key playmaker (Assisted a goal)
Many experts also expected Keylor Navas to be a decisive factor for Costa Rica, and he indeed made several crucial saves to keep the game competitive.
Colombia vs Costa Rica Soccer Rivalry: A Look at Past Matches
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches: 12
- Colombia Wins: 7
- Costa Rica Wins: 3
- Draws: 2
Previous Encounters
- Copa America 2016: Costa Rica stunned Colombia with a 3-2 victory.
- Friendly Match 2018: Colombia dominated with a 3-1 win.
Historically, Colombia vs Costa Rica has always been an unpredictable fixture, with Costa Rica occasionally causing upsets.
Colombia vs Costa Rica Time & Broadcast Details
For fans who missed the match, here’s how they can catch the replay:
Match Timing in Different Time Zones
- New York (ET): 8:00 PM
- Colombia (COT): 7:00 PM
- Costa Rica (CST): 6:00 PM
TV Channels & Streaming Options
- TV Broadcast: ESPN, FOX Sports, TUDN
- Live Streaming: FIFA+, Paramount+, FuboTV
These platforms provide Colombia vs Costa Rica live streaming for fans around the world.
Colombia vs Costa Rica Tickets & Fan Attendance
Ticket Prices & Availability
- General seating: $50 – $100
- VIP tickets: $250 – $500
All tickets were sold out weeks in advance, and resale prices skyrocketed due to high demand.
Fan Experience at the Venue
The MetLife Stadium was packed with over 70,000 fans, creating a thrilling atmosphere. The Colombian supporters, known for their passionate chants, outnumbered Costa Rican fans.
Colombia vs Costa Rica Travel Guide: Visiting the Host City
For traveling fans, here’s a quick guide to New Jersey:
Best Places to Visit
- Statue of Liberty
- Times Square (NYC)
- Jersey Shore
Best Hotels Near the Stadium
- Hilton Meadowlands
- Hyatt Regency
- Marriott at MetLife Stadium
The area around MetLife Stadium offers plenty of transportation and dining options for visiting fans.
Colombia vs Costa Rica Coffee: A Cultural Comparison
Colombia’s Coffee Culture
Colombia is world-famous for its smooth and aromatic coffee, primarily grown in the Andes Mountains. Colombian coffee is known for its mild acidity and balanced flavor.
Costa Rica’s Coffee Culture
Costa Rica produces high-quality arabica coffee, known for its bright acidity and fruity taste. Grown in volcanic soil, Costa Rican coffee has a unique richness that stands out globally.
Both nations take pride in their coffee, and their coffee cultures reflect their national identities.
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Second Half Highlights: Game-Changing Moments
The second half saw early substitutions by Colombia, with Juan Fernando Quintero coming on to add creativity. The change paid off when, in the 53rd minute, Quintero assisted James Rodríguez, who curled in a brilliant opener from the edge of the box.
Costa Rica responded strongly. In the 67th minute, a fast counter-attack ended with Anthony Contreras tapping in a goal after a low cross, leveling the score at 1-1.
Tensions rose when a VAR review in the 74th minute ruled out a potential second goal for Colombia due to offside. However, in the 82nd minute, Luis Díaz finally got his goal with a composed finish after a defensive error by Costa Rica.
Costa Rica pushed forward desperately in the final minutes, but Colombia held firm, showcasing disciplined defense and tactical control.
Post-Match Analysis: Stats, Player Ratings & Reactions
Final Score: Colombia 2-1 Costa Rica
Possession: Colombia 62% – Costa Rica 38%
Shots on Target: Colombia 6 – Costa Rica 3
Pass Accuracy: Colombia 85% – Costa Rica 72%
Top performers included James Rodríguez (8.5/10) for his goal and leadership, and Luis Díaz (8.0/10) for consistent attacking threat. For Costa Rica, Joel Campbell (7.0/10) stood out as their most creative outlet.
Both managers praised their teams: Colombia’s coach Néstor Lorenzo applauded the team’s mental strength, while Costa Rica’s manager Luis Fernando Suárez highlighted the positives and vowed to bounce back.
On social media, fans praised Colombia’s attacking flair, while Costa Rican supporters voiced frustration over defensive lapses but remained hopeful for qualification.
What Next for Colombia and Costa Rica
Following this result, Colombia moved to the top of Group B with 6 points, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage. Their next match is against Honduras, which could confirm their progression.
Costa Rica, now with just 1 point, must win their final group game against Jamaica to keep its qualification hopes alive. Suspensions to two key defenders might make the task even tougher.
This game was a defining moment in the group phase—showcasing Colombia’s firepower and Costa Rica’s fighting spirit. Fans can expect even more intensity in the matches ahead as the tournament heats up.
Prediction: Colombia could go deep into the tournament, while Costa Rica needs a near-perfect performance to survive the group.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colombia VS Costa Rica
Is it better to visit Colombia or Costa Rica?
Both Colombia and Costa Rica offer unique travel experiences. Colombia is known for its vibrant cities like Bogotá and Medellín, rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and world-famous coffee regions. On the other hand, Costa Rica is a paradise for eco-tourism, offering lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. If you prefer adventure and outdoor activities, Costa Rica is ideal. If you love history, culture, and diverse geography, Colombia is a great choice.
What is between Costa Rica and Colombia?
The Darién Gap separates Costa Rica and Colombia. It is a dense jungle region between Panama and Colombia, making it one of the most challenging areas to cross by land. The area lacks proper roads, and most travelers opt for flights or boats to travel between the two countries.
Who scored in Colombia vs Costa Rica?
The Colombia vs Costa Rica Copa America 2024 match featured key goals from star players. Luis Díaz and Duván Zapata scored for Colombia, while Joel Campbell netted a penalty goal for Costa Rica. The match was an intense battle, with Colombia securing a narrow victory.
How is the economy of Colombia compared to Costa Rica?
Colombia has a larger and more diversified economy compared to Costa Rica. Colombia’s economy is driven by oil, mining, agriculture, and tourism, making it one of Latin America’s fastest-growing markets. Costa Rica, although smaller, has a stable economy focused on eco-tourism, agriculture, and technology. While Costa Rica has a higher GDP per capita and a better quality of life index, Colombia has a larger overall economy with greater industrial growth and international trade.
Conclusion of Colombia VS Costa Rica
The Colombia vs Costa Rica match in Copa America 2024 was a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Colombia secured a 2-1 victory, showcasing their attacking dominance, while Costa Rica put up a strong fight with solid defensive play. Luis Díaz and Duván Zapata delivered key goals for Colombia, while Joel Campbell kept Costa Rica in the game with a penalty goal.
This match once again highlighted the fierce competition between the two teams. While Colombia celebrated a crucial win, Costa Rica gained valuable experience for future tournaments. Fans will eagerly await their next encounter, as Colombia vs Costa Rica continues to be an exciting football rivalry. Whether it’s for match results, highlights, or fan reactions, this game had it all, proving why Copa America is one of the most thrilling football tournaments.
