After getting knocked out in the Round of 16 in the 2018 World Cup, Spain will look to start their 2022 campaign on the right foot when they face off against Costa Rica in their Group E opener. This match will take place at Al Thumama Stadium on Nov. 23, with kickoff at 11 a.m. ET.
Spain qualified as UEFA Group B winners, while Costa Rica was the final team to qualify after beating New Zealand 1-0 in an inter-confederation CONCACAF vs OFC playoff.
Dubbed the “Group of Death" that also features Germany and Japan, walking away with at least one point will be crucial for both sides.
Spain vs Costa Rica Odds
- 3-way handicap: Spain (-350) | Draw (+420) | Costa Rica (+1100)
- Draw No Bet: Spain (-1300) | Costa Rica (+675)
- Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (-125) | Under 2.5 (-105)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (+140) | No (-180)
Spain vs Costa Rica odds are current as of Thursday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. ET on Caesars Sportsbook.
Even though Spain had an early exit last World Cup, they’re 5th favored to win it this year, so it makes sense they’re the favorite in this match. With Costa Rica having been a part of plenty of upsets, this game could surpass the 2.5-goal total.
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Spain vs Costa Rica Prediction
Spain 2:1 Costa Rica
Since losing to France in the 2021 UEFA Nations League Final, Spain has looked good, compiling a 7-2-1 record in friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, and UEFA Nations League A. Under Luis Enrique, Spain has an overall record of 17-12-3, scoring 62 goals and a goal differential of +40.
Spain has maintained their lineup structure, as they run a 4-3-3. Álvaro Morata leads the charge up front, scoring four goals for Spain this year, and is the country’s active leading scorer.
The team also does an excellent job of forcing opponents to the counterattack, controlling the majority of possessions in their previous six matches.
Since taking over in June 2021, Luis Fernando Suárez has done an excellent job managing Costa Rica, putting together a 13-6-5 overall record and a 7-2-1 record in their last 10 matches.
Costa Rica had a much more challenging path to the World Cup, beating New Zealand in a playoff to get in. Joel Campbell scored the game-winner in the 3rd minute, and the defense held New Zealand in check the rest of the match.
Spain should win this match with no problem given the expectation of them being one of the top teams, but don’t count out Costa Rica just yet. Costa Rica previously made it out of the “Group of Death" in 2014.
Costa Rica will make things difficult, but Spain will ultimately walk away with the three points.
Spain vs Costa Rica Betting Tips
Opening matchups tend to favor the Under, as teams in the 2018 World Cup scored under 2.5 goals 10 times while the over hit six times.
While both teams are 7-2-1 in their last 10 matches, Spain has faced tougher competition than Costa Rica, giving them the edge entering this match.
Spain vs Costa Rica Best Bets
Over 2.5 Goals (-125) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Even though I mentioned how the Under is favored in these World Cup opening matches, the Over will sneakily hit between Spain and Costa Rica. Spain has played tougher competition and should have an easier time scoring against Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has played well as of late and won’t go away quietly. They’ll put one in the back of the net to put some pressure on Spain.
Both Teams to Score: Yes (+140) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Given that Group E is the toughest to get out of, both teams will be doing all they can to make it out, and one of those things is scoring.
Spain is one of the favorites in the World Cup, so scoring isn’t an issue for them. However, Costa Rica will want to keep the goal differential low in case a tie-breaker is in play down the line.