Two nations looking to return to form will do battle today in an international friendly between Spain and Costa Rica. The match scheduled for 3:45 p.m. ET will be held at the Estadio Reino de Leon and can be live streamed here free.
What They're Saying
Spain left-back Jordi Alba (via FourFourTwo): "When you come from winning titles, you want more. [Playing for Spain] is always a pleasure, we're all very happy and want to give our all, to come back with our homework done. We've got to play well in Leon, have a good match and prepare for Belarus because being at the European Cup is very important."
Costa Rica assistant head coach Luis Antonio Marin (via Teletica): "There is a defined system that the players clearly understand. They know how [head coach] Paulo [Wanchope] wants to play and what his philosophy is."
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Alvaro Saborio is closing in on his 100th cap with the Costa Rican national team. The 33-year-old, however, has seen a recent dip in form. In 14 appearances with Real Salt Lake this season, Saborio boasts just three goals and is averaging nearly two unsuccessful touches (1.9). He'll look to reclaim previous form in Leon on Thursday.
Spain's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): De Gea; Juanfran, Ramos, Piqué, Alba; Busquets, Koke, Isco; Pedro, Morata, Silva
Costa Rica's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Navas; Diaz, Umana, Gonzalez, Gamboa; Borges, Cubero; Venegas, Ruiz, Campbell; Saborio
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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