On Thursday night, Costa Rica and Germany go head-to-head in a massive game in Group E of the World Cup.
Costa Rica form guideLuis Suarez’s team kicked off their World Cup campaign with a torrid 7-0 defeat against Spain. However, Costa Rica kept their qualification hopes alive by recording a 1-0 win over Japan.
A win in this clash would be enough to see Costa Rica qualify for the last 16. Due to that heavy opening defeat against Spain, a draw is unlikely to be enough to see them progress to the knockout stages of the competition.
Costa Rica are in decent form, as they have won five of their last seven international games while suffering just one defeat in the process.
Germany form guideHansi Flick’s team stayed in the hunt for a place in the last 16 courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Spain. However, making the knockout stages will not be easy, as Germany has to win and hope that the result in the other game goes their way.
Germany’s lack of form is not a great surprise, as they have won just one of their last five international matches, having also won just twice in ten outings too.
The draw against Spain continued Germany’s poor recent record at World Cups, as they have now won just one of their previous five games in the competition while also suffering three defeats in the run.
Latest team newsCosta Rica are without the suspended Francisco Calvo, who picked up yellow cards in both his teams opening two games.
Germany has a fully fit squad for this encounter. Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane came off the bench last time out and could start. Striker Niclas Fullkrug could also start after scoring the equaliser off the bench against Spain.
What am I backing?This is a crucial game for both teams, as they need a victory to ensure progression to the knockout stages. I am backing Germany to record a win, but it may be challenging, with Costa Rica also having so much to play for in the clash.
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