Costa Rica vs Germany: Predicted lineup, injury news, and head-to-head

Die Mannschaft faces the Latin Americans in a game that will identify their prospects of reaching the knockout stage at Al Bayt Stadium.

Costa Rica gave Germany a tremendous benefit by defeating Japan 1-0, giving Germany a reprieve, and they now meet them in the last group encounter of World Cup 2022. Costa will be attempting to replicate Japan's performance, which saw them defeat Germany, as all four nations have a chance to advance to the round of 16. The statistics can be surmounted, and Costa Rica will be inspired to send Germany out of the group stage once more.

After losing 2-1 to Japan, Germany showed incredible fortitude in their 1-1 draw with Spain. They should have won the match as they were outstanding after the second half, but they will have another chance if Spain wins their match against Japan.

Kick-off: 12:30 am (IST), 7 pm (GMT)

Costa Rica form (all competition): W-D-W-L-W

Germany form (all competition): L-D-W-L-D

Players to watch

Costa Rica

Joel Campbell

The former Arsenal player will be ready to provide another outstanding performance as he attempts to lead his team to the round of 16 for the first time. Costa Rica will rely on Campbell's exploits to score goals. His quickness and clinical finish could help him score goals.

Germany

Jamal Musiala

Musiala was brilliant against Spain; the way he handled the game for Germany seemed like he had been playing football for years; it was impressive for a 19-year-old. Spain's aggressive pressing forced Germany back, but Musiala's steadiness permitted Germany to create more space by taking on defenders to urge his players forward, reducing Spain's press and acting as a catalyst.

Injury and team news

Head coach Suarez made only two substitutions against Japan, switching from a back-three to a back-five. And he is expected to do the same against Germany. He will, however, have to find a replacement for center-back Francisco, who received his second yellow card.

Hansi Flick will add more agility to his squad, with Sane operating from the right side and Gnarby from the left. After saving a point for Germany against Spain, Fullkrug is likely to be granted a start.

Head-to-head

Matches: 1

Costa Rica: 0

Germany: 1

Draws: 0

Predicted lineup

Costa Rica Predicted XI (5-4-1): Navas; Fuller, Duarte, Waston, Chacon, Oviedo; Torres, Borges, Tejeda, Campbell; Contreras.

Germany Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kehrer, Sule, Rudiger, Raum; Gundogan, Kimmich; Gnabry, Musiala, Sane; Fullkrug.

Prediction

Costa Rica will have to demonstrate their credentials, and it will be a big challenge against a four-time World Cup winner. The squad must band together, as they did against Japan, and give their all on the field.

Germany requires three points to see them in the last 16; a highly skilled team must show unity. Costa Rica will struggle to contain the likes of Mane, Musiala, Muller, and Gnabry, and Germany will inevitably score and prevail in this contest.

Prediction: Costa Rica 1-3 Germany