Spain will battle Costa Rica in Wednesday’s 2nd match of Group E group stage play with kickoff at Al Thumama Stadium set for 11 a.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Spain vs. Costa Rica odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
Spain is another big name in this competition, typically a breeding ground for talent and strong players. The No. 7-ranked team by FIFA is walking with their heads high having a strong 2022 season with a 6-1-2 mark. Those wins include Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
Spain has a phenomenal lineup with names such as: D Cesar Azpilicueta, D Jordi Alba, M Pedri, M Sergio Busquets, F Ansu Fati, F Fernan Torres. This is a young squad overall, but full of pace and talent. Spain’s defense will be their strongest point with Chelsea captain Azpilicueta leading the way.
Costa Rica, No. 31 in FIFA’s ranings, is 8-1-1 in 2022 with wins over the USA, Canada, and Honduras. GK Keylor Navas is one of the best keepers in the tournament, a very seasoned keeper playing 13 seasons in his career.
One of their more talented players, M Johan Vengas has 11 goals in 82 caps. F Anthony Contreras has 2 goals in 9 matches played as well. This team has proven their ability to put the ball in the back of the net, especially against a quality opponent.
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Spain vs. Costa Rica odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 11:28 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Spain -650 (bet $650 to win $100) | Costa Rica +2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100) | Draw +700
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -150 | U: +130)
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Prediction
Spain 2, Costa Rica 0
Moneyline (ML)
PASS.
Spain has a stronger lineup with younger talent that plays well together and plays with a lot of pace behind them.
The midfield duo of M Sergio Busquets, who ages like fine wine in the football world, and the youngster M Pedri, will be something special to watch. Someone that I believe to be the underdog of the team is F Ansu Fati. He was a star for Barcelona until he suffered several injuries that kept him out for a year.
Ultimately, there just isn’t value in backing Costa Rica or a draw and certainly no value on the (-650) Spain moneyline.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET UNDER 2.5 (+130).
With the defense of Spain and the weaker attack of Costa Rica, I see it being a struggle for Costa Rica to score. Spain is young and fast, but their lack of tournament experience in the front 3 may pose problems for them to score as well.
What Spain lacks for in experience in their front attackers, they will make up for with Busquets in the midfield, plus their back 4 defenders. Pedri and M Gavi are also a midfield duo at FC Barcelona, so have great chemistry. That should aid them in dominating possession and the game but necessarily pressing to crush Costa Rica.
Back the Under 2.5 (+130). While both teams have talent in the attack, I believe this will overall be a defensive battle.
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