Costa Rica has established itself as the team to beat in Group B of CONCACAF's penultimate round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. A narrow home win over Haiti was perhaps closer than most observers might have anticipated, but a 2-1 win in Panama gave Los Ticos not just maximum points from their opening two games, but also the significant boost of a win on the road.
Now, Costa Rica seeks to further advance its progress to the Hexagonal (CONCACAF's six-team final qualifying round) with more points on the road.
Jamaica, conversely, urgently needs to re-establish home ground as an advantage. A 2-0 loss to Panama in Kingston last November immediately put the Reggae Boyz at a disadvantage in this group. Some momentum was regained with a win in Haiti, but Jamaica can't afford to keep dropping points at home - even to group favorite, Costa Rica.
So more pressure on the home team - and the New York Red Bulls' starting left back, Kemar Lawrence - than the visitors (and former RBNY starting left back, Roy Miller; likely to watch this game from the bench).
Jamaica vs. Costa Rica
Where: Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica
