MY ACCOUNT
– Impressive Spain have slipped under the radar
– Germany are looking to avoid a repeat of their 2018 World Cup humiliation
– Recommended bet: Spain/Germany straight forecast
Spain and Germany are understandably favourites to escape Group E but a lively Japanese outfit will not go down without a fight.
Spain (17/20 to win the group): La Roja look worthy Group E favourites
A technically superb Spanish team that combines flair with intense work rate could arguably be even shorter than 17/2 with LiveScore Bet for World Cup glory.
Luis Enrique’s men recently qualified for the 2023 Nations League Finals and only narrowly lost the final of the 2021 edition to France having demolished Germany 6-0 in the group stage.
The Euro 2020 semi-finalists, who only lost out on penalties to eventual winners Italy at those finals, boast a perfect mix of youth and experience in a richly talented squad. That is seen most clearly in midfield, where Barcelona trio Sergio Busquets, 18-year-old Gavi and 19-year-old Pedri have the nous and energy to starve opponents of possession.
And the back-up options in the centre of the park show just how much quality Enrique has to play with, with the likes of Manchester City’s Rodri and Koke of Atletico Madrid pushing for starts.
There is cutting edge upfront, experience in defence and quality in goal — Spain look the real deal.
Germany (23/20 to win the group): Flick’s team remains a work in progress
Germany are among the favourites in Qatar but everything will have to go right for Die Nationalmannschaft to again get their hands on the trophy.
At Russia 2018, Germany finished bottom of a group containing Sweden, Mexico and South Korea, while they lost to France and England and drew with Hungary en route to a round of 16 exit at Euro 2020.
Incoming former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick has made them more solid, losing just one of his matches in charge, but his side lacked attacking spark even before the loss of Timo Werner.
There is enough quality to ensure Germany make it through the group stage and in 19-year-old Jamal Musiala they boast a potential star of Qatar — he looks interesting at 17/2 with LiveScore Bet to be their top goalscorer — but Flick’s team remains a work in progress.
Japan (3/1 to qualify): Lack of cutting edge could blunt Samurai Blue
There is a lot to like about Japan, who play high-energy football and will look to force opponents into defensive mistakes.
Hajime Moriyasu’s squad boasts technical quality, too, with Junya Ito and former Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino adding class to the frontline.
However, the loss to injury of Yuya Osako, who would have led the attack, is a blow and while Japan should be too strong for Costa Rica they may lack the firepower to upset Germany or Spain.
Costa Rica (7/1 to qualify): All age and precious little beauty
Costa Rica made hard work of qualification, struggling to a 1-0 victory over a New Zealand side that largely outclassed them despite playing a quarter of the game with ten men.
If Los Ticos can claim only 33% possession against the 10-man Kiwis you have to fear for them when facing the likes of Spain, Germany and Japan.
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas is the jewel in the Costa Rican crown but he, like many of his teammates, is getting on. Up to nine of Luis Fernando Suarez’s likely first team are at least 30 and five will be 34 or older by the end of the group stage — including 37-year-old captain Bryan Ruiz.
Verdict
A talented Japan side will be cursing their luck with the group stage draw, as they were an interesting dark horse prior to getting placed alongside Spain and Germany. They may yet cause a few problems for both European giants, but the experience of Germany and outstanding quality of Spain should see the favourites through.
Costa Rica look set for a rough ride. A low-quality, ageing squad could get blown away in what looks an extremely tough section.
