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If this match goes according to current perceptions of form and ability, Costa Rica will win and Jamaica's hopes of making the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying will depend on winning its next two games (against Panama in Panama, and Haiti in Jamaica).
The Reggae Boyz have not been nudged off the road to Russia, but it is fair to say they have been veering dangerously off course ever since they were (surprisingly) beaten 3-2 at home by Nicaragua last September.
Somewhere between the 2015 Gold Cup final and the start of its World Cup qualifying campaign, Jamaica lost a little of whatever had been making it appear a legitimate threat to the current CONCACAF hierarchy (Mexico, USA, Costa Rica...everyone else). And that little bit lost may yet prove the difference between a solid shot at qualifying for the 2018 World Cup and being bounced out with the also-rans two years before the main event.
This match in Costa Rica isn't Jamaica's last shot at getting out of this round of qualifying, but it is an important opportunity to regain lost confidence and prove that the Reggae Boyz are able to match the top teams in CONCACAF.
The circumstances of last week's 1-1 draw with Costa Rica were such that the Jamaicans left the field deflated, though head coach Winfried Schafer did his best to minimize the damage to morale with post-match comments that highlighted the team's effort and commitment.
In addition to those two essential qualities, the Jamaicans expect to welcome midfielder Rodolph Austin back to the fold for the trip to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica vs Jamaica
When: 10:00 pm, Eastern; Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Where: Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica