Costa Rica vs Germany: Betting preview, best bets & predictions

Costa Rica vs Germany

We’re getting into crunch time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage and we could have another upset on the cards. Germany’s campaign up to this point has been bitterly underwhelming, but it’s not over yet. A win over Costa Rica and a Japan defeat against Spain would see them sneak through to the knockout stage, but Costa Rica have World Cup Dreams of their own to accomplish.

How to watch Costa Rica vs Germany

When: Costa Rica vs Germany, Thursday December 1st, 2022
Where: Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar
Kickoff: 2PM EST, 7PM GMT
How to watch: BBC One (or BBC iPlayer) (UK) Fox, Telemundo (US)

Costa Rica vs Germany betting odds

Moneyline: Costa Rica +2200 | Draw +1200 | Germany -1100

Costa Rica vs Germany betting preview

Costa Rica might have been humbled in a 7-0 thrashing against Spain, but a late winner from Keysher Fuller against Japan means that they have a shot at making the knockout stages. A win over Germany would guarantee their spot in the knockout stages, but at 22/1, the sportsbooks are clearly favoring a once-elite German side.

Germany played much better against Spain than they did against Japan, but that’s not a high bar. They were unlucky not to win, as an Antonio Rudiger goal was ruled out for offside, but the game showed that the opening defeat to Japan could well have just been a fluke.

To qualify, Germany have to win. If Spain and Japan draw they have to win by two. The stakes are incredibly high here and Flick’s side has all the hard work to do. Die Mannschaft has plenty of talent, including a returning Leroy Sane who was an impactful player against Spain. If his injury is nearly healed, he could see even more exposure here knowing that it’s an all-or-nothing situation.

Costa Rica is a defensive stalwart but lacks attacking prowess, having only scored once through two games. Meanwhile, Germany possesses a litany of rapid midfielders and versatile defenders who can create some marvelous build-up play.

Costa Rica keeper, Keylor Navas, will be on his toes all game, regardless of if it’s the veteran Thomas Muller starting up front, or Fullkrug, who has been much more clinical in front of goal. He’s scored 10 goals in 14 Bundesliga games this season and carried that momentum into the World Cup. Don’t be surprised to see him draw the start, injecting a lot more danger into this German attacking third.

Costa Rica vs Germany betting pick

I don’t think Costa Rica wins this match, but at 22/1, how can you not love the odds?! Germany have already stumbled once this tournament and while it seems unthinkable that the 2014 winners would trip here, stranger things have happened. Keep the stake light, back the huge underdogs, and let the chaos begin.