Spain and Costa Rica go head-to-head in 2022 FIFA World Cup action at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha this Wednesday.
The Spaniards, who won the World Cup in 2010, are the overwhelming favorites and will be looking for a comfortable win in the Qatar capital.
The Costa Ricans are no strangers to the world stage, but this will be a tough encounter for Los Ticos. In this in-depth soccer preview, take a look at our Spain vs Costa Rica prediction and picks.
Spain vs. Costa Rica
Spain and Costa Rica begin their World Cup campaign with a meeting in the capital of Qatar on Wednesday. As you would expect, Luis Enrique’s side are the clear favorites in this one.
Spain have disappointed in the last two World Cups, but can they go far in Qatar? Costa Rica are certainly the underdogs of the group, with Germany and Japan also contesting Group E.
However, with nothing to lose and everything to gain, can Tricolor cause an upset against the Spaniards in Doha?
Spain are fancied to prevail, but this still promises to be an entertaining Group E fixture at Al Thumama Stadium.
In this preview, we give you our Spain soccer prediction for the World Cup, look ahead to Costa Rica’s next game and give you our top betting tips for this matchup in Doha.
Spain vs. Costa Rica Last Game
When these two teams last clashed, Spain ran out big 5-0 winners in a friendly in Malaga in 2017 – David Silva (2), Jordi Alba, Alvaro Morata and Andres Iniesta got the goals.
Spain have won two of the three meetings, while the other ended in a 2-2 draw back in 2011. Wednesday’s game will be the first ever competitive meeting between the two nations.
Spain vs. Costa Rica Analysis
Spain
Spain’s last two World Cup appearances have been disappointing. They won the tournament for the first time in 2010, but La Roja failed to get out of the group four years later in Brazil, collecting just three points from a possible nine. They were then knocked out at the Round of 16 stage in Russia in 2018.
Spain’s Latest Form
Spain had a solid qualifying campaign to reach Qatar 2022, winning six of eight matches.
They have been in excellent form of late, losing just three games since being knocked out of UEFA Euro 2020 at the semi-final stage by eventual champions Italy. The Spaniards have won eight of their last 11.
Spain will be desperate for all three points in game one, as Germany are next up on their World Cup schedule.
Group E Matchup
The matchup at Al Bayt Stadium promises to be a mouth-watering all-European affair. Their final Group E game will come against Japan at Khalifa Stadium next week.
Spain are among the fancied teams to go for in this year’s World Cup. Enrique has a top squad of players at his disposal, and the 2010 winners could be the side to watch out for in Qatar.
Can they get off to a winning start in Doha on Wednesday? Keep reading for our Spain vs Costa Rica prediction.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has an excellent record of reaching World Cups in recent times. Their first appearance came in 1990 when they reached the Round of 16 stages in Italy.
They failed to make it to the next two, but the Costa Ricans have only missed one World Cup since.
People’s Second Team in 2018
Los Ticos became many people’s second team at the World Cup in Brazil eight years ago. Costa Rica defied the odds to reach the quarter-finals.
They took eighth place, which was their best-ever finish at a World Cup. Four years later in Russia, Tricolor picked up just one point from three group games and was eliminated early doors.
Costa Rica are without a doubt one of the most unpredictable teams in this World Cup. Still, can Luis Fernando Suarez’s men cause a few upsets during their time in Qatar?
Costa Rica Against Japan
Costa Rica’s next game will see them face Japan in Al Rayyan before they finish off with a fixture with Germany in Al Khor.
The Spain vs Costa Rica prediction for most people would be a comfortable win for the Spanish.
However, Suarez and his troops will fancy their chances of causing an upset at Al Thumama Stadium. Our Costa Rica and Spain soccer prediction is below.
Spain vs. Costa Rica Odds Breakdown
Spain Odds
Spain are the clear favorite, with the bookies to take all three points from their opening game on their World Cup schedule. Right now, you can get just -700 for a Spain success.
Costa Rica Odds
Costa Rica are the massive underdogs in this one. For those feeling brave enough to back Los Ticos to cause an upset, +2000 is your best price, while you can get the draw at +650.
The best odds and our Spain vs Costa Rica prediction is below.
Spain vs. Costa Rica Betting Pick and Prediction
Costa Rica will enjoy the occasion no matter what happens from now until the end of their tournament in Qatar.
They have a tough group, facing two of Europe’s finest and a solid Japanese side. Unfortunately for Suarez’s men, we are backing Spain to come out on top in Wednesday’s match.
Spain have stopped the opposition from scoring in six of their last eight wins. We like the look of the Spaniards to win to nil here at the solid betting odds of -188. Also, back Spain to win -1 at -200.
Soccer Pick: Spain -1 (-200)
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