Al Thumama Stadium will play host to Thursday's FIFA World Cup game between Spain and Costa Rica. The game kicks off at 3:00 am with Spain heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Spain vs. Costa Rica game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Thursday November 24, 2022 at 3:00 am
Where: Al Thumama Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Spain vs Costa Rica Odds
Spain vs Costa Rica Preview
Costa Rica arrive in Qatar as the fourth-best team from a weak Concacaf qualifying section and have a daunting task ahead of them after landing in a group containing Germany, Japan and opening opponents Spain.
That the Central Americans struggled in their 1-0 victory over ten-man New Zealand in the intercontinental play-off does not bode well for their chances against a Spain side who have beaten the likes of Italy, Portugal and Germany – 6-0 – in the past 24 months.
In June’s World Cup qualifying play-off, the Costa Ricans grabbed a slightly fortuitous third-minute goal but were pinned back relentlessly by New Zealand thereafter.
The Kiwis dominated two-thirds of the possession, created a host of excellent chances – including a Chris Wood goal that was ruled out for a debatable infringement – and continued carving Costa Rica open even after they received a harsh red card.
That Luis Fernando Suarez’s men clung on was more luck than judgement – albeit aided by the enduring excellence of Keylor Navas in goal – and if New Zealand can do that to Los Ticos, you fear how Spain might set about them.
This latest version of the Spanish international team might not be quite on a par with the side who dominated world football from 2008 to 2012, claiming two European Championships and a World Cup trophy, but it still oozes class and can be devastating when on form.
As would be expected from any Spain team, there is no shortage of technical excellence within Luis Enrique’s squad. But they are also hard-running and direct, and a largely youthful side will press high whenever out of possession.
That could spell trouble for a Costa Rica team who lack technical quality and are notably long in the tooth. Seven of the starting team against New Zealand were 30 or older and two of the four younger players were sacrificed at half-time to make way for the experience of 37-year-old Bryan Ruiz and 34-year-old Kendall Waston.
It is hard to see how the Costa Rican old guard can stand up to the intensity of a Spain midfield that could feature Barcelona teenagers Pedri and Gavi and Manchester City defensive shield Rodri, while the frontline could contain another Barcelona teenager in Ansu Fati, 24-year-old Dani Olmo and 22-year-old forward Ferran Torres.
In all likelihood, Luis Enrique will opt to mix experience with the youth, with Sergio Busquets still a colossus in the centre of the park and 27-goal Alvaro Morata favourite to lead the line. But the Spain head coach has the depth of squad to mix things up and keep the pressure on a Costa Rica side who will get no breathing space.
And while Los Ticos manager Suarez does prefer to play deep and hit on the break with the youthful pace he possesses on either wing of his 4-5-1, Costa Rica will struggle to release quality long balls when playing them under constant pressure.
Suarez can at least call on one of the best goalkeepers at the tournament – former Real Madrid star and three-time Uefa Champions League winner Navas – but his 35-year-old stopper will have to be at his very best to keep Spain out.
Navas will certainly be busy and could be a fun outside bet for man of the match in case he has a stellar game and somehow shuts out a Spain side who can be better at creating chances than taking them.
However, the likely sheer dominance of the Spanish should be enough to eventually overpower Costa Rica in a game that will be played in and around their penalty area and could run away from them as fatigue sets in. It could also lead to weary legs making bad defensive decisions and a La Roja goal from the penalty spot also looks value.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Spain to win at $1.15 odds.
Correct Score:
Correct Score: Spain 2-0 at $4.80.