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Match Prediction

Costa Rica vs Nicaragua Prediction

Costa Rica

€38.78m

13 Oct22:00
4 : 1

Nicaragua

€3.40m

Preview

Costa Rica vs Nicaragua Prediction World Cup - Qualification CONCACAF

Costa Rica vs Nicaragua Prediction: Stats, Odds, and Betting Tips

The Costa Rica vs Nicaragua prediction is on every football fan’s mind as these two Central American neighbors get ready to face off in a crucial World Cup Qualification CONCACAF match on October 14, 2025, at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica. With both teams feeling the heat after recent results, this match promises drama, tactical battles, and plenty of talking points for sports betting fans searching for the best betting odds and tips.

Team Form, Tactics, and Key Players

Let’s start with the basics. Costa Rica, or “Los Ticos” as they’re often called, have had a rocky road in Group C so far. Their last three matches have all ended in draws: a gritty 0-0 against Honduras, a 1-1 tie with Nicaragua, and a wild 3-3 against Haiti. Local media have been quick to criticize, but goalkeeper Keylor Navas has stood by coach Miguel Herrera, saying everyone shares responsibility for results. With three points from three games, Costa Rica sit in the middle of the group, still dreaming of the 2026 World Cup.

Nicaragua, meanwhile, are feeling the pressure at the bottom of Group C. After drawing 1-1 with Costa Rica, they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Honduras and a tough 3-0 loss to Haiti—a match that was even interrupted by an electrical failure. Coach Marco Antonio Figueroa is not happy, calling out his players for lacking character and warning that changes are coming. Rumors suggest that regulars like Matias Belli and Jacob Montes might be benched for this one.

  • Squad Value: Costa Rica’s squad is valued at €38.78m, while Nicaragua’s is just €3.40m. That’s a big gap in quality and depth.
  • Key Absences: Costa Rica will miss Orlando Galo, Jayland Mitchell, and Alexis Gamboa due to yellow card accumulation. But they still have Navas between the sticks and new faces like Andy Rojas and Ariel Lassiter ready to shine.
  • Tactics: Costa Rica usually line up in a 5-4-1 or 5-2-3, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions. Nicaragua rely on a compact defense and look to hit on the counter, hoping to frustrate their more illustrious neighbors.

Head to Head and Rivalry Notes

Matches between these two are always intense, with plenty of pride at stake. Historically, Costa Rica have dominated the head to head, but Nicaragua have shown they can cause problems—just look at their recent 1-1 draw. With Nicaragua’s World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, expect them to fight tooth and nail.

  • Pre-match drama: Figueroa has questioned referee neutrality, while Herrera has kept a low profile, focusing on getting his team’s attitude right.
  • Motivation: For Costa Rica, it’s about proving doubters wrong. For Nicaragua, it’s about survival in the group.

AI Predictions, Betting Odds, and Top Tips

Now, let’s get to the part every sports betting fan loves: the Costa Rica vs Nicaragua prediction, betting odds, and tips. According to NerdyTips’ AI, this match has some clear favorites and profitable opportunities.

  1. 1x2 Prediction: The AI gives a trust score of 10.0 for a Costa Rica win (odds: 1.13). In plain English: the home team is expected to take all three points, and the odds reflect their superiority.
  2. HS2+ (Home Team Scores 2+ Goals): With a trust rating of 7.6/10 and odds of 1.34, this is the most profitable bet. Costa Rica are expected to dominate possession (65%), create 17 shots, and score at least twice.
  3. Over 2.5 Goals: The AI predicts a final score of 3:0, with a trust score of 5.8 and odds of 1.68. If you like goals, this could be your ticket.
  • Shots & Corners: Expect Costa Rica to take 17 shots and win 5 corners, while Nicaragua might manage 5 shots and 2 corners. That’s a total of 7 corners—keep that in mind for corner bets.
  • Discipline: Both teams are expected to pick up a yellow card each, so don’t expect too much drama from the referees.
  • Predicted Score at Half-Time: 2:0 for Costa Rica. The home team should come out firing and take control early.

Final Thoughts and Betting Advice

To sum up our Costa Rica vs Nicaragua prediction: all signs point to a comfortable home win. The stats, squad values, and recent form all favor Costa Rica. Our AI’s top tips are to back the home team to win and to score at least two goals. If you’re feeling adventurous, over 2.5 goals is also a solid pick. Just remember, football is full of surprises—sometimes the underdog bites back!

For sports betting fans, this is a match where the numbers, the head to head history, and the current betting odds all line up. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned punter, keep it simple, bet responsibly, and enjoy the game!

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AI Predictions
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Best Tip

The best betting football prediction for Costa Rica vs Nicaragua

HS2+ -294

Costa Rica is expected to score at least 2 goals with odds of -294
7/10

1x2 Tip

1 -769

Costa Rica is expected to win with odds of -769
10/10

Total Goals

Over 2.5 -147

At least 3 goals will be scored in the match
5/10

Both Teams To Score

No -278

At least one team is not expected to score
1/10
Both Teams To Score

Correct Score

3:0

Stats Predictions

65%
Ball Possession
35%
17
Total Shots
5
6
Shots Off Goal
2
5
Corners
2
1
Yellow Cards
1

Average / Match

4
Total Goals
2.2
2.8
Goals Scored
0.6
1.2
Goals Against
1.6
49%
Possession
51%
14.6
Total Shots
12.1
5.8
Shots on Goal
2.9
5.3
Shots off Goal
6
10
Fouls
11
4.7
Corners
5.1
2.1
Offsides
1.2
2.25
Yellow Cards
1.71
0
Red Cards
0.17
316
Total Passes
317

Overview Last 10 Matches

5
Wins
2
8
Over 1.5 Goals
7
7
Over 2.5 Goals
3
5
Over 3.5 Goals
1
7
Both Teams Scored
3
0
Unexpected Wins
0
0
Unexpected Loses
0

Head to Head

Costa Rica
1 - 2 - 0
Nicaragua
Nicaragua Nicaragua 06-Sep-25
1:1
Costa Rica Costa Rica
Costa Rica Costa Rica 17-Jun-19
4:0
Nicaragua Nicaragua
Costa Rica Costa Rica 17-Jan-17
0:0
Nicaragua Nicaragua

World - World Cup - Qualification CONCACAF World - World Cup - Qualification CONCACAF

Team Matches Goals Points
1 Honduras Honduras5
5-2
8
2 Haiti Haiti5
7-6
8
3 Costa Rica Costa Rica5
8-6
6
4 Nicaragua Nicaragua5
4-10
4
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