WORLD CUP SOCCER:
U.S. Wary of Costa Ricans
The Americans expect a stiff challenge from the Costa Ricans for the World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica tomorrow.

"I expect a close game, but you never know what it's going to look like," Bruce Arena said.  "Generally, teams that come to the United States play very conservatively. I think Costa Rica will drop off and look to create scoring opportunities on the counterattack as well as on set pieces."

The United States is second in the North and Central American and Caribbean region in the final round of qualifying.

Costa Rica is in fourth place with seven games to play.

The Americans know they need to play a solid game to pick up the win.

"They tackle very well, they're good defensively and very skillful in the midfield," defender Eddie Pope said. "We know we have our work cut out for us on the weekend. It's not going to be easy for either team."

It is a big game for both teams. Along with Mexico, the Ticos have always been one of the toughest teams in CONCACAF for the U.S. Costa Rica was the last team to shutout the U.S. on home soil in a WC qualifier, a 0-0 draw during qualifying for the last World Cup.

Tomorrow's game will be played in Salt Lake City. Kickoff at Rice-Eccles Stadium is set for 5:30 p.m MT, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and locally on Teletica's Teledeportes, channel 7.