Germany will be confident of salvaging their World Cup campaign and reaching the knockout stages with victory over Costa Rica on Thursday.
The 2014 champions got off to the worst possible start in Qatar, losing to Japan, and looked set to be knocked out at the World Cup group stage for the second consecutive tournament.
A draw against Spain, and especially Costa Rica’s win over Japan, kept them alive and they will reach the knockout stages with a win if Japan are also beaten by Spain.
As for Costa Rica, who are still right in Group E despite losing 7-0 in their opener, a draw would be enough if Japan lost.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game…
Date, kick-off time and venue
Costa Rica vs Germany is scheduled to kick off at 7pm GMT on Thursday, December 1, 2022.
The match will take place at Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar.
Where to watch Costa Rica vs Germany
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised free and live on ITV4, with coverage starting at 6.15pm.
Direct: Fans can also watch the match live online through ITVX and the ITV website.
Live Blog: You can follow all the matchday action via Standard Sport Live Blogwith Nizaar Kinsella on the ground to provide expert analysis.
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Costa Rica vs Germany Team News
Kendall Waston was superb in defense for Costa Rica against Japan, entering the team as they went down to five and looked much stronger. More of the same is expected in terms of form and personnel.
Attacking players need to start delivering, with Anthony Contreras and Joel Campbell both ineffective so far in the tournament but likely to start again.
Germany’s big decision comes first, with Niclas Fullkrug coming off the bench against Spain to score a crucial point. He replaced Thomas Muller who was silent throughout, while Kai Havertz was completely uninvolved after starting the opener.
Leroy Sane has played his first 20 minutes of the tournament and hopes that will be enough for him to earn a place in the starting lineup against a Costa Rican side he is convinced will cause huge problems.
Costa Rica vs Germany Prediction
Costa Rica shot on target the entire tournament to earn them three points against Japan, and it would be a huge surprise if they had the offensive threat of troubling Germany.
Hansi Flick’s side would have seen Spain blast Costa Rica emphatically and should be able to comfortably get the three points they need here.
Germany win, 3-0.
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Head-to-head history and results (h2h)
Germany won the only previous meeting between the two teams, a 4-2 win at the 2006 World Cup.
Costa Rica wins: 0
Draws: 0
Germany win: 1
Costa Rica vs Germany match odds
Costa Rica: 22/1
Draw: 19/2
Germany: 1/10
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
standard Sport
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