Germany and Spain get their World Cup 2022 campaigns underway in Group E on Wednesday and we take a look at their two matches from a betting angle.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting with Brazil 33/10 are trading as favourites ahead of Argentina at 5/1. Looking at Group E we have Spain at 10/1 and Germany at 12/1.
Spain are 17/20 favourites to win the group with Germany 11/10 and you can get 12/1 Japan and 50/1 Costa Rica.
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GERMANY v JAPAN
GERMANY
Germany had few problems in qualifying, winning 9 and losing 1 of their 10 matches to finish well clear of the rest of their group which admittedly was not the strongest. They were in action in Euro 2021, but found old rivals, England too good for them in the round of 16.
Germany warmed up for their World Cup group matches with a workmanlike 1-0 victory over Oman last week.
JAPAN
Japan recovered from a slow start to qualify 2nd in their Asia Regional qualifying group, a point behind Saudi Arabia and 7 points clear of Australia who subsequently came through via the playoffs.
Japan played a warm-up game against Canada last week going down 2-1, a result that surprised the bookies somewhat as Japan had started 13/10 favourites.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides last met in a friendly International way back in 2006 with the game finishing 2-2
BETTING – Click here to bet
Germany 40/85
Draw 15/4
Japan 6/1
Suggested Bet: Half-Time / Full-Time, Draw / Germany at 16/5
I think that Japan will set out to keep things tight at the back, something they are well capable of and I am banking on the fact that the Germans are going to take some time to wear them down before eventually winning the game.
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SPAIN v COSTA RICA
SPAIN
Spain topped a relatively competitive qualification group finishing 4 points clear of Sweden and only suffering 1 defeat in 8 matches. Their last major tournament was EURO 2021 when they went down on penalties to Italy in the semi-finals.
Spain looked sharp in the World Cup warm-up game last week beating Jordan 3-1.
COSTA RICA
Costa Rica finished 4th in their qualification group and required a playoff against New Zealand to book their spot in the finals. They look to have a decent team together and won their last 5 World Cup qualification matches including the New Zealand playoff and they beat Nigeria 2-0 in a warm-up game almost two weeks ago.
Their challenge is that they are in a very strong group which includes Spain and Germany.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides last met in a friendly International in 2017 with Spain romping home 5-0.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Spain 1/6
Draw 7/1
Costa Rica 20/1
Suggested Bet: Both teams to score, YES, at 39/20
Costa Rica carry some serious form into this World Cup and I don’t think they are going to be pushovers. Spain are a side loaded with talent though and should get the win, but I do believe that Costa Rica can get on to the score sheet and I am betting accordingly.
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change