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USMNT vs. Costa Rica: Match Thread & TV Guide

The homestretch of the Hex begins at Red Bull Arena.

By Rob Usry Updated

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United States v Costa Rica: Semifinal - 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

It’s crunch time in World Cup qualifying around the globe. The world’s most anticipated sporting event is just a mere 286 days away. The United States still has some work to do to guarantee itself a spot in Russia ‘18. Currently sitting in third-place in the Hex, a win over second-place Costa Rica at Red Bull Arena tonight would go a long ways in securing that automatic berth.

This will be the return fixture between these two teams as Los Ticos handed the U.S. an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in San Jose, Costa Rica in November. A match that ultimately cost former manager, Jurgen Klinsmann, his job. Since Bruce Arena has taken the reins of the national team for the second time, they’ve gone on a 14-match unbeaten run and captured their sixth Gold Cup title.

During that same Gold Cup, the U.S. exacted a bit of revenge, beating Costa Rica in the semi-finals of the competition. Both sides will be gunning for the win in this one with their best available lineups. Outside of a USA/Mexico match, this is the toughest opposition the Americans will face in qualification. A similar situation presented itself in last summer’s Copa America Centenario and the USA pulled out a 4-0 result. Can they replicate that success or will the road to Russia come across another obstacle?

ESPN will televise this match. Kickoff is advertised for 6:30 p.m. ET, but official kick is slated for 6:55 p.m. ET. ESPN will have special online streaming features that include a tactical camera and even a “Pulisic cam” that’s focused directly on Christian Pulisic for the entire match.

Lineups

United States Lineup:

Costa Rica Lineup:

How to Watch

Kickoff Time: 6:55 p.m. ET, 3:55 p.m. PT

Available TV: ESPN, Univision, Univision Deportes

Available Streams: WATCH ESPN, fuboTV (free trial), Univision Deportes, Sling TV

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