Recommended Sunday: Salzburg vs Riyadh Crescent, Mexico vs Costa Rica

Salzburg vs Riyadh Crescent

1. Comparison of recent states and strengths between the two teams

Salzburg Red Bull's status: 6 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses in the last 10 games, defeated Pachuca 2-1 in the first game of the Club World Cup, achieving three consecutive victories, averaging 2 goals on the offensive end, but averaging 1.5 goals on the defensive end, which poses a hidden danger. Tactics: Focusing on high-pressure pressing and fast counterattack, the midfield core Gloch (price of 20 million euros) is in a hot state, but Wald, the main midfielder, is suspended, and the rotation of defense line may be affected. Injuries: Forward Konath, midfielder Takumi Kawamura and others were injured, and defenders such as Blank were injured on the defensive end, and the stability of the defense line is questionable.

Riyadh Crescent Status: 4 wins and 2 draws unbeaten in the last 6 games, draws Real Madrid 1-1 in the first game of the Club World Cup, averaging 2.4 goals on the offensive end, but concedes 4 goals on the last three games, with a ball possession rate of 48% close to Real Madrid. Tactics: ball control and counterattack are combined, midfielders Neves ($25 million in value) and Milinkovic lead the offense, but right-back Shahrani is suspended, and the offense and defense on the wing may be limited. Injury: Mitrovic (main forward) is absent due to injury, but the substitute forward is still supported by players such as Brekan.

2. Key data and winning and losing trends

Offensive efficiency Salzburg has averaged 2.4 goals per game in the last 5 games, but has lost 1.6 goals per game on the defensive end, which is easy to concede; Riyadh Crescent has averaged 2.4 goals per game in the last 5 games, conceding 1.0 goals, and its offense and defense are more balanced. Riyadh Crescent Front Milinkovic and Malcolm have the ability to blast, while Salzburg relies on personal breakthroughs from Gloch and Dogles.

Defensive loophole Salzburg's midfielder position is vacant and may be targeted by Riyadh Crescent's midway; Riyadh Crescent's right-back Shahrani is absent, and Salzburg may focus on the right.

Historical and Psychological Factors Salzburg has won 2 wins and 1 draw against West Asian teams in recent years, but Riyadh Crescent Intercontinental Tournament has rich experience (such as unbeaten in 36 games in the AFC Champions League), and has forced Real Madrid to draw in the first game to increase morale. Riyadh Crescent coach Inzaghi Jr. emphasizes controlling the ball, and Salzburg needs to be wary of its high-pressing tactics.

III. Handicap and institutional tendency

Initial handicap: Some institutions set out the Riyadh crescent to 0.25 goals, and then rose to 0.5 goals, showing increased confidence in it.

Data support: Although Salzburg is in good shape recently, injuries and defense issues have been underestimated by institutions; Riyadh Crescent's offense and defense stability is more recognized.

4. Score prediction and victory and loss analysis

Salzburg win (probability 25%) If Riyadh Crescent's main attack exposed the defense line, Salzburg may score through counterattacks or set pieces, but the problem of insufficient control in the midfield needs to be overcome. Possible scores: 2-1, 1-0.

Riyadh Crescent Win (55% probability) Riyadh Crescent has stronger firepower on the offensive end and more mature tactical execution. If you seize the loophole in the Salzburg defense line, you may win by 2 goals. Possible scores: 1-2, 0-2, 1-3.

draw (probability 20%) Both sides may concede the ball due to mistakes. If Salzburg defends steadily and counterattack, Riyadh will not be able to conquer for a long time and may end 1-1 or 2-2.

V. Comprehensive conclusion

Winning and Loss tendency: Riyadh Crescent is more likely to win away with offensive efficiency and experience, but needs to be guarded against Salzburg's counterattack.

Recommended scores: 1-2, 0-2, 1-3 (Riyadh New Moon win) or 1-1 (Grade).

Mexico vs. Costa Rica

, Comparison of core data and basic facets

Historical confrontation Mexico has crushing advantages: 11 matches in the past 10 years, Mexico has won 5 wins, 6 draws and 0 losses, with a winning rate of 45.5%, and a draw of 54.5%, without losing. Key battle: In the quarter-finals of the 2023 Golden Cup, Mexico eliminated Costa Rica 2-0, with significant psychological advantages.

Recent Confrontation: In the 2025 Golden Cup Group Team, Mexico won 6 points in two games, while Costa Rica scored 6 points in the same game, but due to the disadvantage of goal difference, the top spot in the group was decided by the direct dialogue in this game.

Recent status Mexico: 5 wins and 1 loss in the last 6 main games, averaging 2.0 goals per game, and averaging 1.1 goals per game on the defensive end, but when facing a weak team, the defense line is prone to exposed loopholes (such as narrowly defeating the Dominicans 3-2 in the first game of the group stage). Home advantage: 7 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss in the last 10 main games, 100% winning rate when leading, and over 60% ball possession rate, relying on crosses from the wing and set pieces to break the game. Costa Rica: 5 wins and 1 loss in the last 6 games, averaging 3.7 goals per game, but averaging 1.3 goals per game on the defensive end. The defense line is loose when facing a strong team (such as conceding a goal in a 2-1 victory over Dominican 2-1 in the group stage). Away disadvantage: 100% loss rate when falling behind in the last 10 away games, and weak goal-scoring ability in halftime (only scored in one half in the past 10 games).

Injuries and lineup Mexico: The lineup is complete, with core players Raul Jimenez (Fulham), Santiago Jimenez (AC Milan) and midfielder Edson Alvarez in a stable state. Costa Rica: Main forwards Ariel Lasseter (injury), Warren Madrid (fracture of fibula) are absent, their ability to finish the front line is declining, relying on veterans Navas (goalkeeper) and Campbell (forward).

2. Tactics and key duel

Mexican Tactics 4-3-3 Formation: Mainly breaking through the cross from the wing, taking advantage of defender Montes (3 goals), but the efficiency of breaking intensive defense is average. Settings threat: Settings scored 25% in the last 10 games, posing a threat to Costa Rica's high-altitude defense.

Costa Rica tactics 4-4-2 counterattack: Relying on Campbell and Louis' speed, but lacks control in the midfield and is easily suppressed by Mexico. Defensive risks: Frequent rotation of defense lines when facing strong teams, conceded 4 goals in the last 3 games, and the decline in Navas' state may affect stability.

3. Winning and Loss and Score Prediction

Mexico Wins (Probability 65%) Advantages: Crushing in the face, strong home court, dominant lineup depth, and Costa Rica's shortage of players on the front line. Possible scores: 2-1, 1-0, 3-2 (If Mexico cannot defeat for a long time, Costa Rica will strike back and equalize).

Costa Rica win (20% probability) unpopular conditions: Mexico's defense makes a mistake, Costa Rica uses set pieces or counterattack to attack. Possible score: 1-2 (if Mexico concedes the ball first and then collapses).

draw (probability 15%) draw scenario: The two sides were in a stalemate until halftime, Mexico could not defeat for a long time, and Costa Rica shrank its defense.

4. Number of goals and probability of large balls

tendency to big balls (probability 60%): Mexico has goals in the last 10 games and 8 of the half-time games, and Costa Rica has strong offensive firepower (scoring 6 goals in the group stage), but the defensive loopholes may be magnified. Recommended goals: 3-4 goals (such as 2-1, 3-2).

V. Comprehensive conclusion

Winning and Loss Recommended: Mexico wins (leaves victory).

score prediction: 2-1, 1-0, 3-2.

Key Observation points: Can Mexico break the deadlock in the first half and whether the Costa Rica defense line can withstand the pressure.