Costa Rica vs Germany, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

Costa Rica vs Germany Match Prediction & Analysis

Germany just about kept themselves in the tournament with a draw against Spain in their second group game, having lost to Japan previously.

They avoided an early elimination by the skin of their teeth, but could still face a group stage exit if they don’t win here and get a bit of luck elsewhere.

In truth, this isn’t the Germany of old. You can tell that there is an imbalance between the young and the old, going forward and at the back. There will need to be much improvement if they get through here.

Costa Rica surprisingly find themselves in a better position than Germany coming into this final game. The Central Americans can qualify either through victory or if they draw and Spain beat Japan.

There is still plenty for them to do, of course. Despite the troubles of their opponents, Costa Rica will be underdogs and not expected to qualify.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Costa Rica Preview

FIFA Ranking: 31

Predicted Finish: Group Stage

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Will fancy themselves to trouble Germany

     Win over Japan was a massive boost

Reasons to be fearful:

     Haven’t won consecutive World Cup matches since 2014

     Francisco Calvo will miss out in defence through suspension

Costa Rica have an opportunity to become giant killers and knock out one of the favourites from the tournament.

It is a daunting challenge for the Central Americans, but as they have shown so far at this World Cup, they are relishing the label of underdogs.

They will hope to play better than they did against the last big nation – losing 7-0 against Spain in their opening game would have been a low point. 

Their main challenge here will be keeping a clean sheet. The Germans have only scored twice in this tournament so they will fancy their chances of frustrating them here. 

The Costa Ricans will need to do so without Francisco Calvo, one of their most experienced defenders with 76 caps.

Star Man – Keylor Navas

If Costa Rica are to avoid defeat to Germany, their goalkeeper is going to need to have a wonderful game. Navas has won it all at club level with Real Madrid and PSG, but he needs to bring that experience to his country here.

Germany Preview

FIFA Ranking: 11

Predicted Finish: Quarter Finals

Reasons to be cheerful

     Coming from behind to draw against Spain will have boosted confidence

     May use Fullkrug from the start as a central striker

Reasons to be fearful

     Only two goals from their opening two games

     Just two wins from their last 10 matches in tournament football

Germany have now played 10 matches in international tournaments since the start of the 2018 World Cup and have only won two of them.

It is a run that has seen their legendary manager Joachim Low leave his position, the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Kroos retire, and a number of new players come into the setup.

They may have stumbled upon a system that works for them in the 1-1 draw against Spain, however. Niclas Füllkrug came on and scored the winner, looking like the type of centre forward they’ve been missing.

Kai Havertz, who played no part in that game, hasn’t convinced anyone that he’s a proper number 9, while Thomas Muller’s best days in a German shirt look behind him.

If the talent of Sane, Musiala and Gnabry can link up as they were expected to before the tournament started, they should be able to find a way past this stubborn Costa Rican side.

Star Man – Jamal Musiala

Musiala once again showed us what he is all about with flashes of genius in the game against Spain. He needs more help from those around him, but could work well if he can play off Fullkrug upfront.