Spain are a heavy favorite in their opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Costa Rica as they try to put their recent poor performances behind them. Spain won the 2010 World Cup but failed to advance in 2014 and were knocked out in the quarterfinals in 2018. Costa Rica, one of the top teams from Concacaf, will be trying to pull off a shocking run like the one they had in 2014, when they reached the quarterfinals.
Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. ET. Spain are the -600 favorite in the latest Spain vs. Costa Rica odds from Caesars Sportsbook, with Costa Rica the +1700 underdog. A draw is priced at +575, while the over/under for total goals scored is 2.5. (For more soccer coverage, click here.)
Before you lock in your Costa Rica vs. Spain picks or World Cup 2022 predictions, you need to see what proven soccer insider Martin Green has to say.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Since then, his European soccer picks have been spot-on. Green has generated almost $35,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season, and he has his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe.
Green knows that Spain will control the ball for almost all of the match, and they have superior talent to Costa Rica. They have an embarrassment of riches in midfield, where captain Sergio Busquets, Gavi and Pedri are all creative and technically gifted. La Roja have had some trouble scoring goals, but it isn't for lack of talent. Alvaro Morata scored the lone goal in a 1-0 victory against Portugal in the team's most recent official match at the Nations League, and Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati also are dangerous attackers.
Green also has taken into account that Los Ticos are a gritty, veteran squad who rarely give up many goals. They should sit back and defend and try to counter. They have not lost by more than one goal in their past 25 matches, and goalkeeper Keylor Navas is a major key to their success. The 35-year-old had 32 clean sheets over the past three seasons with PSG. Costa Rica finished even on points with the USMNT in qualifying but had to go to a playoff based on goal differential, and they beat New Zealand 1-0.
Now, Green has taken a close look at the Spain vs. Costa Rica match from all sides, and we can tell you he is leaning under on the goal total. He has revealed his two best bets, including one that pays plus-money, and has a full breakdown of this World Cup match. You ABSOLUTELY need to see his picks and analysis before making any selections of your own.
Where does all the betting value lie for Wednesday's Costa Rica vs. Spain World Cup showdown? ... Join SportsLine now to see Martin Green's best bets for Spain vs. Costa Rica, all from the soccer expert who has generated almost $35,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season!
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