Costa Rica v Germany predictions: Die Mannschaft should rediscover cutting edge

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Costa Rica v Germany in World Cup Group E on Thursday.

Where to watch

ITV4, 7pm Thursday

Best bets

Germany to win 3-0
1pt 13-2 bet365

Germany to win 4-0
1pt 8-1 bet365

Germany are in an awkward spot in Group E but their performances have been better than their results and they should be too strong for Costa Rica, who were hammered 7-0 by Spain on matchday one.

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Match preview

After winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany finished bottom of a group featuring Sweden, Mexico and South Korea in 2018 and, four years on from that ignominious exit, they kick off their final Group E game against Costa Rica in fourth place in the standings.

This group was expected to be a straight shootout between Spain and Germany but Die Mannschaft's opening 2-1 defeat to Japan blew the section wide open.

The Samurai Blue then suffered a shock loss of their own, going down 1-0 against a Costa Rica side who were thrashed 7-0 by Spain on matchday one, while Germany's 1-1 draw with La Roja left them two points adrift at the bottom.

All is not lost for Hansi Flick's men, though, as they are rated 1-9 shots to take maximum points against Los Ticos in Al Khor.

Germany are far from the finished article under Flick, who succeeded long-serving coach Joachim Low after their last-16 defeat to England at Euro 2020, but their performances against Japan and Spain suggest they should get a commanding victory on the board against Costa Rica.

There has been no lack of attacking enterprise from a side who beat European champions Italy 5-2 and drew 3-3 away to England in the 2022-23 Nations League.

Germany had 26 shots against Japan, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing goalkeeper, and player of the match, Shuichi Gonda into nine saves and they also had more shots on target than Spain in their 1-1 draw on matchday two.

That statistic is partly explained by the match situation as Flick's men had to chase the game after falling behind in the 62nd minute.

They battled back well as Werder Bremen striker Niclas Fullkrug came off the bench, scoring with one of his three shots at Unai Simon's goal and offering a more robust focal point to the attack.

The 29-year-old Fullkrug, who won his first international cap in a pre-World Cup friendly at the start of this month, could now be entrusted with leading the line as Germany bid to salvage their campaign in Qatar.

Germany's defensive vulnerability has been a concern but they should be capable of shutting out Costa Rica, who have had one shot on target in their first two games – Keysher Fuller's late winner against Japan.

Los Ticos were dismal against Spain and are missing suspended centre-back Francisco Calvo so backing Germany, with Leroy Sane fit to join Bayern Munich teammates Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala in the attacking unit, to win either 3-0 or 4-0 could prove profitable.

Key stat

Costa Rica have had only one shot on target in their first two Group E matches.

Team news

Costa Rica
Francisco Calvo is suspended after being booked in the first two games so Juan Pablo Vargas could come into central defence.

Germany
Leroy Sane should be fit enough to start after coming off the bench against Spain. Striker Niclas Fullkrug could also make the 11 after his equaliser against La Roja.

Probable teams

Costa Rica (5-4-1) Navas; Fuller, Duarte, Vargas, Watson, Oviedo; Torres, Borges, Tejeda, Campbell; Contreras

Germany (4-2-3-1) Neuer; Klostermann, Sule, Rudiger, Raum; Kimmich, Gundogan; Gnabry, Musiala, Sane; Fullkrug

Inside info

Costa Rica

Top scorer in probable team Joel Campbell
Star player Keylor Navas
Penalty taker Celso Borges
Assist ace Joel Campbell
Set-piece aerial threat Oscar Duarte
Card magnet Keysher Fuller

Germany

Top scorer in probable team Serge Gnabry
Star player Manuel Neuer
Penalty taker Ilkay Gundogan
Assist ace Serge Gnabry
Set-piece aerial threat Antonio Rudiger
Card magnet Antonio Rudiger

Costa Rica v Germany Bet Builder

Germany to win to nil
Costa Rica didn't muster a shot on target in their 7-0 loss to Spain and could be outclassed again.

Serge Gnabry to score at any time
The Bayern Munich winger has scored 20 goals in 38 internationals and was a major threat in the first two games.

Niclas Fullkrug to have over 2.5 shots
The striker came off the bench in the 70th minute against Spain, equalising with one of his three attempts at goal.

Price guide 9-2 with bet365

Match information

Stadium Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
Fifa rankings Costa Rica 31, Germany 11
Weather Cloudy, 22C

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