Spain vs Costa Rica
World Cup – 2022
Date: Wednesday, 23 November 2022
Kick-of at 17:00 UK/ 18:00 CET
Venue: Al Thumama Stadium.
The World Cup will begin in 2022 with Spain taking on Australia in a Group E match at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. The other game in the tournament’s first round will feature Costa Rica and Spain.
Since their victories in the World Cup and European Championships in 2008 and 2012, Spain has not participated in major tournaments. However, a new generation of talented teenagers, such as Ansu Fati and Pedri, are raising hopes that the country can return to its former glory.
The 2010 World Cup champions are coming into the tournament off a successful run on the international stage.
Under the leadership of Luis Enrique, the team advanced to the semi-final of the European Championships in 2020. They also reached the Nations League final.
Despite being able to secure a place in the next round of the Nations League, Spain has not been able to capitalize on its opportunities in the final third. This will be a crucial factor that the team will look to capitalize on during the World Cup.
Spain’s opponent in the tournament, Costa Rica, is known for its impressive performance at international tournaments. In 2014, the team reached the quarterfinals before falling to the Netherlands.
Spain vs Costa Rica Predictions :
After winning the World Cup in 2010, the members of the 2010 team are determined to go all the way. They will start their campaign with an emphatic win. They will also remember the disastrous start to their 2014 campaign.
They are currently in great form, and they have the necessary momentum to take on Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, has a weakness that they need to be aware of. They have not faced a team like Spain in a long time. They are going to be in for a tough time when the whistle blows this Wednesday.
Over the years, Spain has a dreadful record against Costa Rica.
In their opening match, it is expected that they will easily win.
For the entire season, Luis Enrique will be relying on his team’s trump card. One of the players he will be counting on is Ansu Fati, who has been in great form for Barcelona.
With his impressive finishing, he is expected to become one of the best players in the world.
Spain vs Costa Rica Team News :
Due to injury, Jose Gaya has withdrawn from the Spain squad. Alejandro Balde was called up as his replacement. La Roja have no fitness concerns at this time.
With the emergence of Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati, it is now up to Luis Enrique to decide on the forward line that will play for La Roja. Morata is currently the leading goal-scorer in the squad with 27.
The midfield will be an all-Barca lineup, with Pedri and Gavi playing alongside Sergio Busquets. Pau Torres is expected to partner Aymeric Laporte in the middle.
Unai Simon is expected to start in goal for Spain. In defense, Dani Carvajal and Jordi Alba are likely to partner up in a three-man back line.
Costa Rica’s head coach, Luis Suarez, is expected to utilize a 3-5-2 formation. This will allow his side to play a more direct style of football.
Keylor Navas is expected to start in goal for Costa Rica. In defense, Oscar Duarte and Bryan Oviedo are likely to partner up with Carlos Martinez.
Celso Borges has made over 150 appearances for Costa Rica. He is likely to play off the right side of the defense, with Anthony Contreras leading the line.
Joel Campbell has made over 120 appearances for Costa Rica. He is a former Gunner who has 25 goals in his career. He is also expected to play in the final third for La Sele.
Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon; Carvajal, Laporte, P Torres, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; F Torres, Morata, Fati
Costa Rica possible starting lineup:
Navas; C Martinez, Calvo, Duarte, Oviedo; Tejeda, Bennette, G Torres; Borges, Contreras, Campbell
