Taking a defensive approach

As should be expected, coach Alexandre Guimaraes will likely field a defensive approach in the match against Germany. Upset after a series of losses in warm-up matches last week, the Costa Rican coach will take off one defensive midfielder from the squad and place another defenseman in the starting 11. Thus, the team will probably begin the World Cup with three defenders, two full backs, one defensive midfielder, two midfielders and two forwards, in a 5-3-2 formation – instead of the 4-4-2 that would normally be used. Depending on Friday’s results and the way the team performs, Guimaraes could then shift his team back to a 4-4-2 for the second match, against Ecuador.