SOCCER U.S. set to face off against Costa Rica

The Americans lost 2-1 to Brazil in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
MIAMI -- Frustrating, heartbreaking, demoralizing.
Pick the adjective. Many were used to describe the United States national soccer team's performance Wednesday night after Brazil peppered the Americans with goal-scoring opportunities during the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal match at the Orange Bowl.
The U.S. team, which returns to the Orange Bowl on Sunday night to play Costa Rica in the tournament's third-place match, is eager to cast aside that 2-1 overtime loss to Brazil.
"Knowing our guys, when kickoff rolls around, they'll be ready to play," U.S. head coach Bruce Arena said after his team's practice Friday at Florida International University.
But the U.S. team will have to play without striker Brian McBride, who could miss up to six weeks after injuring his eye in the 26th minute Wednesday, requiring 10 stitches to close.
Disappointing loss
The loss certainly could have caused many slumped shoulders and bowed heads. On the verge of being eliminated, Brazil tied the match in the 89th minute, then advanced with a penalty kick 10 minutes into overtime.
Brazil will play Mexico in the Gold Cup final this afternoon in Mexico City. Mexico reached the final with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica on Thursday night.
"It's a tough game to get over, but that's the good thing about soccer, there's always a next game," U.S. midfielder Earnie Stewart said. "We"ve done too well in this tournament to let this tournament go by and not end on a good note.
"Of course, every time you want to be first, that's in an athlete. But you try not to carry it over to other things."
Weather could be a factor
A possible advantage for the U.S. on Sunday night is the weather conditions. The U.S. has been in South Florida since Sunday, adjusting to the local climate. Costa Rica played its semifinal match in the higher altitude of Mexico City and arrived in Miami Friday afternoon.
"Fortunately, we had the extra day to recuperate and hopefully that will help us," U.S. forward Landon Donovan said.
Donovan believes the U.S. has overcome the emotional letdown of the Brazil match.
"It's over with, there's nothing you can do about it," Donovan said. "You move on and focus on winning this game.
"You don't get to the semifinals without accomplishing something. Now we have the third-place game to concentrate on, and we'll be ready for what will be a very tough Costa Rica team."
Going up against old coach
Costa Rica is coached by Steve Sampson, who guided the U.S. to the 1998 World Cup in France.
"Steve has done great things for us in the past, he is just on the other side now," said Stewart, who played for Sampson. "We want to win the game desperately and after that you shake hands."
Sunday night's match could prove significant beyond the third-place finish.
A Brazil victory on Sunday could set up a U.S.-Mexico match later in the year to decide a trip to Copa America.
The Gold Cup champion represents the region in the tournament, but Brazil is an invited team and not a CONCACAF member.