There are a lot of interesting storylines in the last round of the group stages. With only one point after two games, Germany are in a must-win situation against Costa Rica.
Spain only needs a draw to win Group E when they take on Japan.
Finally, Uruguay will look for their first in as they take on Ghana who only need a draw to advance.
Don’t forget to stay up to date on any player injuries that may affect the performance of your favorite teams during the World Cup.
Costa Rica vs. Germany
Thursday, December 1, 2022 – 02:00 PM EST at Al Bayt Stadium
Win or Go Home for Germany
The Germans showed their World Cup pedigree in their 1-1 draw against Spain. It would have been so easy for them to go out after going a goal down to the Spanish. Instead, they fought back and earned themselves a draw to stay alive at the 2022 World Cup. When you look at Germany’s history in the competition, they had never lost consecutive group games at a World Cup, which is an incredible record.
Now they need a win to advance in Group E when they take on Costa Rica. Los Ticos gave the Germans life by beating Japan in round 2 of play. Now the Germans get to thank Costa Rica by sending them home from the competition. The odds on this game are a ridiculous Germany -1000 with Costa Rica at +1800. I won’t be touching either side of that bet, but I do like the prop “Both Teams to Score” at a No for -166.
Costa Rica does not have a central striker and I can’t see them getting a goal in a game Germany will be desperate to win. While Costa Rica has everything to play for considering a win would take them through, this would also be the biggest win in their history considering the circumstances (knocking off Germany is as big as anything they did in 2014) and one of the biggest ever in the World Cup.
I can’t see Germany allowing a goal in this scenario.
Soccer Pick: Both Teams to Score – No (-175) at BetRivers
Japan vs. Spain
Thursday, December 1, 2022 – 02:00 PM EST at Khalifa International Stadium
Spain Just Needs to Not Lose
A win would be enough to win Group E on Thursday unless Costa Rica pulls off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. The Spanish may have put seven past Costa Rica, but this is not a prolific scoring team. They only scored over two goals in three out of their last ten games including the 7-0 win over Los Ticos. I don’t think they score over two goals considering they most likely only need a draw to win the group.
The other major issue I see for the Japanese is possession. How are they going to score if they don’t touch the ball? They managed two goals with only 26% against the Germans and I can’t see the Spanish making the same mistakes. I also think Spain could actually break the 80% possession barrier against this Japan team.
I like the Under 2.5 goals in this game at +104.
Soccer Pick: Under 2.5 (+104) at FanDuel
Ghana vs. Uruguay
Friday, December 2, 2022 – 10:00 AM EST at Al Janoub Stadium
Uruguay Won’t Go Down Without a Fight
If you think that Uruguay will go down without a fight, you clearly don’t know about “Garra Charrua”. Giving up is the last thing you’ll get from an Uruguayan, and I expect them to come out swinging with nothing to lose other than their pride. El Celeste has no goals after two games and I can’t see them getting knocked out of a World Cup without scoring at least one. They have too much talent and Ghana’s defense has not been good despite them being second in the group.
As long as Portugal do not lose by more than one goal to South Korea, Ghana would be through with a draw. I don’t think they are in a position to play for that, however, since Portugal really have nothing to play for in that game having already qualified.
A desperate South Korean team could win that game, so I expect Ghana to play to win, especially considering they’ve scored five goals through the first two games. I expect both teams to score in this game and that line is available at -106.
Soccer Pick: Both Teams to Score – Yes (-106) at FanDuel
