Spain vs Costa Rica – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Spain vs Costa Rica on and what time does it start? Spain vs Costa Rica will take place on Friday 21st July, 2023 – 08:30 (UK)
Where is Spain vs Costa Rica taking place? Spain vs Costa Rica will take place at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.
Where can I get tickets for Spain vs Costa Rica? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Spain vs Costa Rica
What channel is Spain vs Costa Rica on in the UK? Spain vs Costa Rica will be televised live on BBC Two
Where can I stream Spain vs Costa Rica in the UK? Spain vs Costa Rica can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
THE LOWDOWN
SPAIN
- Spain have an intriguingly poor record at the Women’s World Cup, but this year, they are expected to buck the trend and arrive into the competition as one of the favourites to win it when taking into account the array of riches among their squad.
- It would be no surprise to see Alexia Putellas make up for lost time and steal the show over the next few weeks after having returned from a long injury layoff only a few months ago, the same injury that forced the Barcelona skipper to pull out of last summer’s European Championships.
COSTA RICA
- Costa Rica sailed through to compete in what will be their second Women’s World Cup, after winning their four preliminary round qualifying fixtures before reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship under long-serving head coach Amelia Valverde.
- When it comes to their most notable players, Valverde sprung a shock by omitting skipper Shirley Cruz from her squad, but many eyes will be focused on up-and-coming talent Priscila Chinchilla, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder having recently played a huge part in helping club side Glasgow City win the Scottish Women’s Premier League, while Melissa Herrera and Raquel Rodriguez also demand attention.
THE TEAM NEWS
SPAIN
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Misa; Paredes, Andres, Batlle, Carmona; Bonmati, Putellas, Abelleira; Del Castillo, Hermoso, Caldentey
UNAVAILABLE: Garcia (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
COSTA RICA
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Solera; Porras, Villalobos, Del Campo, Guillen; Valenciano, Alvarado; Chinchilla, Rodriguez, Herrera; Salas
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Spain and Costa Rica are meeting in a FIFA Women’s World Cup™ fixture for the second time. The pair drew 1-1 in the group stage at the 2015 finals in what was the debut match in the competition for both teams.
- Spain are appearing in their third successive FIFA Women’s World Cup™. They have been ever-present at the global showpiece tournament since their debut at Canada 2015.
- Spain’s 3-1 victory against South Africa in their opening fixture at France 2019 is their only win in seven Women’s World Cup matches. Jennifer Hermoso made history in that game by becoming the first player to score two penalties in a Women’s World Cup match.
- Irene Paredes and Alexia Putellas have both featured in each of Spain’s previous seven Women’s World Cup fixtures, the only other player to have done so is Marta Corredera who is not in the squad for the 2023 finals.
- Costa Rica are featuring at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ for the second time in three editions; their previous appearance came at Canada 2015.
- Although they did not record a win or qualify for the knockout phase in 2015, Costa Rica left Canada with their heads held high with just one defeat in three matches. Draws against Spain and Korea Republic in their first two games were followed by a 1-0 defeat against South American champions Brazil.
THE PREDICTION
With so many superstars among their squad used to winning trophies, Spain are well equipped to potentially go all the way in this tournament. It will be key for them to get off to a good start and it’s hard not to see them doing just that against this Costa Rican side, whom Spain are likely to play off the park. Dominating possession, tiring out their opponents and carving them up open at will with their creative brilliance, Spain could make a real statement in their opening group match and are well worth backing not just to win this game, but to win it emphatically by at least four clear goals.
TIP: SPAIN TO WIN WITH -3 HANDICAP
