SPAGNA – COSTA RICA | Wednesday 5pm
In Group E, the margin of error is very small indeed for the two selections that, at least on paper, should have no problem securing one of the first two places and flying to the round of 16. We are talking about Spain and Germany, two potential protagonists of this World Cup, who will already meet in the group stage. This is how the draw wanted it, with the goodwill of Costa Rica and Japan, who will need a real feat not to leave Qatar after the first three matches. There are many expectations on Luis Enrique’s Roja, it is useless to hide it. The former coach of Roma and Barcelona has had to start almost from scratch, once the golden cycle that a decade ago had led the Iberian national team to the roofs of Europe (2008 and 2012) and the world (2010) was over.
Without losing the identity of a selection that has made dribbling and the beautiful game one of its hallmarks and on which it has built its victories, it has started a new season, not being afraid to bet on youth. Already a year and a half ago during the travelling European Championship, he launched several talents (Gavi, Pedri) who have now become pillars, both of the clubs and of Roja itself. At the same time Luis Enrique has not dumped the veterans: Morata, Jordi Alba and Busquets are also part of the Qatari expedition. Spain has always made it to the bottom in the most recent competitions: at Euro 2020 they reached the semi-finals (they surrendered to Italy on penalties); they did even better in the last two Nations Leagues, reaching the final with France and obtaining a pass for the Final Four in the edition that will end next June.
La Roja also did not disappoint in last Thursday’s friendly against Jordan, winning 3-1. In their debut match, they will be up against a selection that, since the historic 2014 edition – the one in which they eliminated Prandelli’s Italy by surprise, making it all the way to the quarter-finals – has been a permanent fixture at the World Cup, Costa Rica. Even in Qatar, Luis Suarez’s Central Americans are relying on several protagonists of that sensational ride. One of them is Psg goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Just before leaving for the Middle East, Costa Rica beat Nigeria 2-0 in a friendly.
Spain-Costa Rica: latest line-up news
Costa Rican players
Luis Enrique, like many other selectors, had to deal with last-minute injuries. Full-back Gayà was injured and was promptly replaced by Alejandro Balde, the 19-year-old from Barcelona. There is little doubt, however, about the line-up that will take the field against Costa Rica. Gavi and Pedri will fill the role of half-backs on the sides of the experienced Busquets, their partner in Barcelona. In attack, on the other hand, it should be Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati, two other blaugrana players, who will support former Juventus player Morata. The only ballot is in defence, where Carvajal and Azpilicueta are competing for a shirt.
Suarez, Costa Rica’s selector, is likely to adopt a 4-3-3 that becomes 4-5-1 in the non-possession phase. Leading the defence will be the two centre-backs Calvo and Duarte, while on the left flank there will be space for Campbell, who has also played for Frosinone in Italy. On the bench will be 37-year-old Bryan Ruiz, who castigated the Azzurri eight years ago.
The Prediction
Costa Rica may not be the team of 2014 but they remain a very uncomfortable opponent who can trouble Spain’s dribblers. La Roja remain favourites for the three points but are unlikely to win by many goals, considering the ultra-defensive attitude of the Ticos, who will aim to close all spaces. The total number of goals in the first half is likely to be less than two.
The likely line-ups for Spain v Costa Rica
- SPAIN (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Dani Carvajal, Laporte, Pau Torres, Jordi Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; Ferran Torres, Morata, Ansu Fati.
- COSTA RICA (4-3-3): Navas; C. Martinez, Calvo, Duarte, Oviedo; Tejeda, Bennette, G. Torres; Borges, Contreras, Campbell.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-0
