Costa Rica vs Paraguay Prediction and Betting Tips: Two picks for Group D clash

The bottom two sides in Group D go head-to-head on matchday three as Costa Rica - who can still mathematically qualify for the Copa America quarter-finals - take on pointless Paraguay at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.

The match is due to kick-off at 02:00 BST on Wednesday and will be the seventh meeting between the two nations, with the record evenly split at two wins apiece and two draws.

Costa Rica started off their campaign with a more than respectable goalless draw with South American heavyweights Brazil but they followed that up with a disheartening 3-0 defeat to Colombia, who dominated proceedings throughout.

This has left Los Ticos in need of a miracle on the final day as they will need to beat Paraguay, hope Brazil lose to Colombia and for there to be at least a six-goal swing in goal difference in order to stand a chance of making it to the next round.

For Paraguay, their Copa America run is all but over for another year after they were beaten in both of their opening group fixtures, conceding six goals along the way.

Costa Rica still have something to play for at this year’s Copa America and their recent form could help them claim victory over Paraguay on Wednesday.

Los Ticos have only lost two of their last eight games - coming against Colombia and reigning champions Argentina - while they have also kept four clean sheets across their last five matches.

Paraguay have won just three of their last 16 games and they have ended up on the losing side on nine of those occasions. With this poor form showing no signs of improving any time soon, a victory for Gustavo Alfaro’s men could be on the cards.

One of Paraguay’s major issues at the Copa America this year is losing games after the first half, and these defensive woes could allow Costa Rica to take the lead early on in Austin.

Los Guaranies lost 2-1 to Colombia on matchday one, with both goals against conceded within the first 45 minutes, while Brazil managed to put three past them before the half-time whistle - as well as missing a penalty.

Nine of the last 11 goals that Paraguay have conceded have come in the first half of matches and this should allow the Costa Rican attack to have plenty of joy early on.