GORDON WILLIAMS, STAR Writer

UNITED STATES:

If a disruptive off-field clash with football administrators over money got Jamaica's 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign got off to a rocky start, today's on-field opener against Costa Rica threatens to be even more testing for the Reggae Boyz.

Not only are the 2014 Central American champions and World Cup quarter-finalists proven quality, but more recent form shows FIFA's 14th ranked 'Los Ticos' are primed for their Group B encounter at the StubHub Centre here.

Costa Rica put on an impressive early show to take a two-goal lead against traditional CONCACAF kingpins Mexico in their June 27 friendly international here, before a late swoon forced a 2-2 draw.

Mexico wasn't a settled team, but Costa Rica put on a first-half display which lodged Los Ticos firmly among the Gold Cup favourites.

The team boasts talent. Chief among them is Joel Campbell, a skilful playmaker who operates out of multiple positions. Campbell, possibly Costa Rica's most dangerous player, helped set up both goals against Mexico.

Striker David Ramirez, who scored against Mexico and helped force an El Tri own goal, is quick and decisive.

Similar to Jamaica, however, Costa Rica have struggled to score recently, managing four goals in 10 games before Mexico.

The 65th-ranked Boyz will have scoring opportunities if the forwards get a clear run. Joel McAnuff, Simon Dawkins and JeVaughn Watson, midfielders with eyes for decisive passes, will be key.

Kemar Lawrence and Adrian Mariappa will have chances to press forward if they play at fullback. The possible introduction of Alvas Powell and Demar Phillips, both natural, attacking flankers, who didn't play in Chile, plus Lance Laing and Garath McCleary, who did, could also provide Jamaica's forwards with scoring chances.

The Boyz' state of mind following the pay dispute could be decisive to the outcome.

Anything less than Jamaica's full focus from the start could result in disaster against Costa Rica.