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Group E favorite Spain starts their quest for the World Cup on Wednesday when El Rojo steps onto the pitch at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha to take on Costa Rica. Spain is a massive -675 moneyline and -2.5 handicap chalk. Will the Spanish show why some believe they win the 2022 Qatar World Cup title? Or will Los Ticos show that, although small, they’re a powerful soccer nation? Keep reading for FIFA World Cup Odds, analysis, and a free pick for Spain versus Costa Rica.

2022 FIFA World Cup Betting Analysis: Spain vs Costa Rica Group E Matchup

Spain versus Costa Rica Betting Lines and Match Info

When: Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 11:00 am ET

Where: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar

TV/Streaming: FOX

Handicap Odds: Costa Rica +2.5 -170 / Spain -2.5 +132

Moneyline Odds: Costa Rica +1975 / Spain -675 / Draw +370

Total Odds: O 2.5 -149 / U 2.5 +116

Why Costa Rica is a good play versus Spain

Los Ticos may not have the players that Spain has, but Costa Rica sends one of the best, if not the best, goalkeeper in the world to the net. Keylor Navas is ready to lead the young Central American based nation to victory.

Navas hasn’t played much while sitting on the bench for Paris Saint-Germain. That might be a good thing. In early October, Navas said his mind is “always on the World Cup”, so we should expect the brilliant Navas to not only make terrific saves in this game but also to keep his teammate’s focused.

Costa Rica Last 5

W – 2-0 vs. Nigeria
W – 1-2 vs. Uzbekistan
D – 2-2 vs. South Korea
W – 1-0 vs. New Zealand
W – 2-0 vs. Martinique

Costa Rica Predicted Starting Lineup

Navas
Calvo
Duarte
Oviedo
Martinez
Tejeda
Chacon
Ruiz
Watson
Contreras
Venegas

Why Spain is a good play versus Costa Rica

In Spain’s last Nations League match, a 1-0 victory over Portugal, El Rojo took the beautiful game to another level.

The Spanish showed why they’re a serious contender for the World Cup trophy. Facing a one-hundred percent healthy Portugal side, Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Fernandes, and Felix all played, El Rojo controlled possession 68% of the time and took 5 shots on goal compared to Portugal’s four.

The shots on goal stat and time of possession tells us Spain controlled things from the outset. If the Spanish can so thoroughly control a match against Portugal, El Rojo should have no trouble versus Costa Rica.

Spain Last 5

W – 1-3 vs. Jordan
W – 0-1 vs. Portugal
L – 1-2 vs. Switzerland
W – 2-0 vs. Czech Republic
W – 0-1 vs. Switzerland

Spain Predicted Starting Lineup

Simon
Torres
Busquets
Gaya
Carvajal
Rodri
Koke
Pedri
Morata
Pino
Williams

Final Betting Analysis: Costa Rica vs Spain

Costa Rica is a solid team. In order to qualify for the World Cup, Los Ticos had to beat the United States. Costa Rica cruised in that match, dominating the U.S. 2-0.

But by beating the U.S., Los Ticos only qualified for the play-in match. Costa Rica also had to take down New Zealand. So there’s no doubt that Navas and his mates are resilient.

However, on Wednesday, Costa Rica takes on a legit World Cup contender. Spain has the correct style, possession, patience, and shot selection to take apart Los Ticos’ defense.

So Spain should win, but they’re not the best bet in this match. El Rojo is playing like a team on a mission. They are thinking only of winning matches and not worrying so much about how many goals they score. Backing Costa Rica on the handicap makes sense.

World Cup Pick: Costa Rica +2.5

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