The Costa Rican women’s national team tasted yet another defeat after being beaten 2-1 by Central Caribe Sports (Guatemala) on Saturday. Fresh from scoring a hat-trick against Haiti on Thursday, Guatemalan forward Ana Martinez tip-toed past Costa Rica’s defense to set up a cross for the match opener. On the end of the pass was Maria Monterroso, who calmly slotted in a header in the 25th minute.

Ten minutes into the second half, Andrea Alvarez doubled the lead for Guatemala at 55 minutes before Costa Rican defender Maria Morales grabbed a lifeline in the 76th minute. This result means World Cup-bound Costa Rica hasn’t won a game since the turn of the year.

Prior to the weekend’s game, they suffered two consecutive 4-0 defeats to Scotland and Venezuela, respectively. Despite ranking higher and having more World Cup experience than the Zambian national team, Costa Rica has had worse performances than the Copper Queens in 2023.

Both teams have not been impressive when it comes to defending, shipping in cheap goals in recent weeks. However, the difference between Zambia and Costa Rica is the firepower at the business end of the pitch.

Costa Rica has only scored four goals in seven games this year, compared to Zambia’s 13 goals in eight games. The Copper Queens also boast a better form record with three wins, one draw, and four defeats, while Costa Rica has two draws and five consecutive defeats with no win in 2023.

Who stands a better chance of qualifying for the knockout stage between Zambia and Costa Rica?

Not many will fancy any of the two teams to progress to the group stage ahead of heavyweights like Spain and Japan. However, if a team were to shock the world and progress from Group C, it is more likely to be Zambia.

The Las Ticas and Copper Queens will lock horns in the last group game scheduled for July 31 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. This match could prove to be very crucial for both sides, as the winner of that encounter could stand a chance to make the last 16.

Looking at their current form, Zambia is the more likely team to leave that blockbuster match smiling, given the prolific nature of their attack. Rachael Kundananji, Barbara Banda, and Grace Chanda all found the back of the net in Friday’s 3-3 draw against Switzerland.

However, this doesn’t mean the Copper Queens should be reluctant, as Costa Rica has more FIFA World Cup experience at the senior level. It will indeed be interesting to see if these two nations can stun Spain and Japan and progress to the knockout stages.