On Thursday, Costa Rica and Germany, the two teams with the fewest points in Group E of the World Cup 2022, will meet at the Al Bayt Stadium in a must-win matchup. Last time out, Hansi Flick’s team fought back for a 1-1 draw against Spain in stoppage time, while Los Ticos maintained their dreams of a last-16 position alive with a 1-0 win over Japan.
Costa Rica vs Germany Group E Match Preview
Japan, who had defeated Germany four days before, was humiliated by Costa Rica after their seven-goal loss to Spain. Costa Rica, who now control their destiny, celebrated when Keysher Fuller’s 81st-minute effort hit Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda but went into the top corner.
Costa Rica, in the third position with three points, would reach the knockout rounds for the third time if they beat Germany this week. If Spain beats Japan, whose goal difference is 0 compared to Costa Rica’s -6, Luis Fernando Suarez’s team might repeat its 2014 quarter-final or 1990 last-16 elimination.
Costa Rica never won consecutive World Cup matches in 2014. Although six of the current crop participated when Los Ticos defeated Italy 1-0 eight years ago, the aging veterans face a different challenge this week. Alvaro Morata’s near-post Flick sent Germany home early again on Sunday evening.
After being allowed to shine in the number nine position by Flick, Werder Bremen great Niclas Fullkrug smashed home a tremendous strike in the 83rd minute to rescue a vital point for Die Mannschaft, who had an Antonio Rudiger goal disallowed offside.
If Spain beats Japan and Germany wins Thursday, Flick’s team advances to the final 16. If Spain and Japan tie, Germany needs a two-goal win to finish second, and if Hajime Moriyasu’s side beats La Roja, Flick’s team needs a five-goal swing to eliminate Spain.
A measly two victories from 10 in all competitions will not inspire confidence in the Mannschaft ahead of such a vital game, which would sentence Germany to consecutive group-stage exits for the first time.
Despite defeating Costa Rica 4–2 in the 2006 World Cup, Flick may become the first Germany manager to lose his first three World Cup games.
Costa Rica vs Germany Group E Team News
Costa Rica coach Suarez would have liked to start the same XI against Japan, but center defender Francisco Calvo was sent off in the last match and must now sit out this one.
Twenty-one-year-old Daniel Chacon bolstered the defense in the dying minutes of that game. Still, the experience of Juan Pablo Vargas is preferred from the opening whistle against the Germans if a five-person reason is to be employed.
Sunderland’s Jewison Bennette, 18, was demoted to the substitutes’ bench over the weekend. However, with neither Gerson Torres nor Anthony Contreras showing much promise, the kid has a reason for cautious optimism.
When Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane made his way back into the Germany camp after recovering from a knee injury in time for the 1-1 draw with Spain, it was a massive lift for Flick and the rest of the team.
The team had no setbacks in their most recent match, but now Flick has a severe problem in attack because of Fullkrug, who is competing with Thomas Muller for the starting spot at the point of attack.
Lukas Klostermann and Nico Schlotterbeck are vying to replace Thilo Kehrer on the right side, while Ilkay Gundogan would have to play a lesser role. Sane recalled Leon.
- Costa Rica Possible Starting Lineup Option: Tejeda, Navas, Fuller, Vargas, Watson, Duarte, Torres, Borges, Campbell, Oviedo, Contreras.
- Germany Possible Starting Lineup Option: Neuer, Sule, Rudiger, Raum, Kimmich, Klostermann, Gundogan, Musiala, Sane, Gnabry, Fullkrug.
Costa Rica vs Germany Group E Prediction (0-2)
Even if the Costa Ricans’ heart is in the right place, their lack of a goal threat from their attackers will be expensive against Germany, even if the Germans aren’t in their best form.
Flick’s decision to start players like Sane and Fullkrug at the Al Bayt Stadium should help his team make an early statement. We anticipate that Die Mannschaft will tear through the Ticos’ defense and do all in their power to fight for a top-two finish, putting their destiny in the hands of Spain and Japan.
