With it all still to play for in Group E this is a massive game for both nations. The two countries currently occupy the third and fourth spots in the group but there is a clear path to qualification for both. Let’s preview this match-up in what is proving to be a very hectic group phase for all four teams.
Costa Rica vs Germany Prediction and Betting Odds for Group E Clash
Costa Rica Run of Form
More often than not, Costa Rica is a difficult team to break down. They qualified for the World Cup thanks to a run of five wins in six games to start 2022, during which they conceded just one goal. This defensive resistance makes their opening day 7-0 defeat to Spain all the more surprising.
Read More: Preview: Can Costa Rica make noise, and provide an upset, in Group E?
They regained their composure for their win over Japan and kept a clean sheet in the process, proving once again that they will be difficult to score against.
Germany Run of Form
Despite the talent on the pitch, Germany are not getting the job done results-wise. A disappointing Nations League run in mid-2022 was capped off by a 2-1 defeat to Japan in their World Cup opener. If not for a late equaliser against Spain they would be coming into this game without a single point to their name.
Read More: Germany World Cup Preview; Can Die Mannschaft Claim Their Fifth Star?
Saying that the wheels have come off is a slight exaggeration, but all is certainly not well for a once-dominant force in international football.
What Each Team Needs
This largely depends on the result of the game between Japan and Spain. What is a guarantee is that a win for Luis Fernando Suarez’s team will see them qualify for the next round. After that, things get quite muddy as a defeat will guarantee their exit but a draw leaves them with hope.
Hansi Flick’s side need to win or else they will be eliminated. A win may not be enough, however, as they will need the other Group E game to go their way with a Red Fury win seeing them through, a draw, or a win for the Samurai Blues complicates matters.
Costa Rica vs Germany Prediction
We’re genuinely unsure about Die Nationalmannschaft and their ability to break down their opponent’s defence. They haven’t been playing nearly well enough to have faith that they can dig in deep and put the ball past Keylor Navas.
Call us crazy but we think Los Ticos will have more enthusiasm to win and enough defensive capability to get a result.
Current Betting Odds: Costa Rica vs Germany
SkyBet has the 11th-ranked side in the world as the favourites to win with odds of 1/14. Those are some frankly baffling numbers given the spotty form they’ve shown all years. Their opponents are at 28/1 odds of taking the three points, which basically means the betting market is giving them no chance.
