Kick-off: 1900, 01/12/2022
Stadium: Al Bayt Stadium
TV: ITV
Germany will be relieved to still have a chance of progressing from Group E and can do their bit by seeing off Costa Rica in Al Khor.
If Hansi Flick’s side win by more than one clear goal, they will advance as long as Japan don’t beat Spain in the other group match.
We’re taking 17/5 for Die Mannschaft to make sure and prevail by exactly three as our first Costa Rica vs Germany prediction.
Costa Rica Odds
Costa Rica were a shambles when thrashed 7-0 by Spain but somehow turned things around to upset Japan 1-0.
Keysher Fuller’s 81st-minute shot made it past a poor attempt to save by keeper Shuichi Gonda to give Los Ticos the lead against the run of play.
They then survived a late scramble at the other end to boost their own hopes of making the last 16.
“We had to face many challenges, but we wanted to be 100 per cent committed for our country,” said coach Luis Fernando Suarez. “We are still alive.”
However, it is hard to see Costa Rica matching the physical power and big-game experience of Germany in a match of this magnitude.
We don’t think the underdogs will get on the scoresheet here, so 11/2 for Die Mannschaft to oblige 3-0 appeals from the Costa Rica vs Germany odds.
Germany Odds
Germany suffered an early exit for the first time in the modern era at Russia 2018 and a 2-1 loss to Japan put them under pressure again in Qatar.
However, Costa Rica’s triumph over the Samurai Blue sparked hopes of a great escape.
Alarm bells were ringing again when Alvaro Morata put Spain ahead with just over an hour gone but super-sub Niclas Fullkrug fired in an 83rd-minute equaliser.
Most observers agreed that 1-1 draw was a quality affair full of technical skill.
“We knew what it was all about and what was at stake, so maybe this will give us a boost to have the self-confidence to strike goals,” said Flick.
“We know that this was just the first step and in the next match against Costa Rica we want to create the conditions so we can go through to the round of 16.
“What is important to me is the mentality is there, they showed what they can do on the pitch.”
Werder Bremen forward Fullkrug, 29, only made his senior international debut in the week before the World Cup, scoring in a friendly win over Oman.
“We are very happy that he showed us his determination and how to score goals,” added Flick.
“He gives lots to the team, not only goals, but he is also a very good boy, he has his heart in the right place and we are very happy to have him.”
Fullkrug will surely now get another chance to shine and 10/3 for him to grab the last goal in the game again is another Costa Rica vs Germany prediction.
Additional stats
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