USA meets Costa Rica in the final Group C match of the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The match, which promises to be a competitive bout, begins at 8 p.m. ET. Watch the live stream HERE.
Both teams have won their previous two matches. Although Costa Rica already earned a spot in the quarterfinals, Tuesday's match will decide which team has the more difficult match in the next round, MLSSoccer.com reports. The loser on Tuesday will likely face Group B winner Honduras, while the winner earns an easier matchup against one of the two advancing third-place teams.
USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann told reporters on Saturday that the Costa Rica match will be "the first real benchmark for us." The tough match couldn't come at a better time - the US is on a hot streak, having scored 16 goals in its last three games.
It's uncertain if Klinsmann will continue to tinker with his lineup, as he's done throughout the tournament.
Costa Rica, like the US, faces its first real challenge on Tuesday. Despite trailing in second-place behind the USA in the CONCACAF Hexagonal round, Costa Rica is primed to earn a spot in next summer's World Cup.
The two rivals have a competitive history in head-to-head matches. The overall series is split, with both teams having a record of 12-12-6 against each other. USA has traditionally played better in the Gold Cup, boasting a 5-0-1 record over Costa Rica.
The teams last met in March during a snowy World Cup qualifier, which the US won 1-0.
Tuesday's match is expected to be close.
