United States one step away from the Olympics: Are the USWNT ready for Costa Rica?

With the victory over Mexico still fresh in their minds, the United States Women's National Team are preparing for their final match before the Paris Olympics. The challenge now is against Costa Rica, an opponent we already know well, but who always bring surprises. The match will take place at Audi Field in Washington, DC, and promises to be a stern test for new coach Emma Hayes and her charges.

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The 1-0 win against Mexico at the Red Bull Arena wasn't just any win. It was sweet revenge, making amends for the team's only defeat this year. Sophia Smith's solitary goal in the 64th minute sealed the Mexicans' fate and showed that, despite the difficulties, the American team still knows how to win. Smith, by the way, has been a standout, scoring in consecutive games for the first time in her international career. And not just any player can achieve this feat.

Emma Hayes, who recently took over, is unbeaten in three games, all without conceding a goal. A promising start for a coach whose mission is to lead the team to Olympic gold. The debut of Croix Bethune, a 23-year-old midfielder, was also a highlight. Coming on in the 81st minute, Bethune became the 261st player to earn a call-up to the national team. She's a talented youngster who is already collecting awards and has a lot of promise for the future.

Costa Rica, however, will not be easy opponents. The Americans have won all 17 of their previous meetings, but that doesn't mean they can relax. Ten of those encounters took place in World Cups or Olympic Qualifiers, and each game was a battle. The last time they met was in 2022, in the semi-finals of the Concacaf World Cup, where the USA came out 3-0 winners. The 6-0 thrashing in February 2020, during Olympic qualifying, is a reminder that the US team has firepower, but must also remain cautious.

This friendly is not just a game. It's the last test before the Olympics. An opportunity for Hayes to adjust the team, test formations and strategies. The coach has already shown her optimism, calling the preparation "perfect" for what they will face in Marseille. And rightly so, as they will face temperatures similar to those in Washington during the tournament in France.

The US team will start their Olympic campaign in Group B against Zambia, followed by games against Germany and Australia. A challenging group, but with the right preparation, anything is possible. Players like 19-year-old Jaedyn Shaw have already expressed their enthusiasm for working with Hayes. Shaw mentioned that Hayes is an intense but also fun coach and that the team is ready for the challenge.

For Costa Rica, led by captain Raquel "Rocky" Rodríguez, this game is also crucial. Rodríguez, 30, is a veteran who scored Costa Rica's first World Cup goal and is the country's all-time leading scorer. Her experience will be vital for the Costa Rican team, who are looking to spring a surprise and show that they can compete at a high level.

The friendly is a chance for both teams to adjust their tactical schemes and get their players up to speed. For the USWNT, it's the last chance to test everything before leaving for Paris. For Costa Rica, it's a game to show their development and preparation.