The final round of matches in 2022 Fifa World Cup Group E take place on Thursday when Costa Rica take on Germany and Japan clash with Spain
Odds provided by @sportingbet_sa are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Coming into the final round of matches which both share the same kick off time all 4 nations have a chance to go through. Spain have 4 points, Japan and Costa Rica both have 3 and Germany just the 1.
Costa Rica 22/1 Draw 10/1 Germany 1 / 10
Costa Rica
After suffering a 7-0 hiding at the hands of Spain in their opening match Costa Rica looked up against it heading into their clash with Japan. They needed at least a draw to avoid being eliminated and as it turned out they won the game 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Keysher Fuller, their first attempt on the target at the tournament.
Germany
Germany were also under huge pressure heading into the second match against Spain. They fell behind just after the hour mark but Niclas Fullkrug equalized in the 83rd minute to keep Germany in the mix for the knockout rounds.
Germany had started their tournament with a shock 2-1 defeat to Japan. Gundogan's first half penalty gave them the lead but they failed to add to their tally and Japan hit back with 2 goals in the final 15 minutes of normal time.
In Russia 2018 Germany finished bottom of their group and they need to win here and hope Japan do not beat Spain.
Germany are as short as 1 / 4 to qualify for the last 16, Japan are 4/1 and Costa Rica 8/1
The Verdict:
The betting suggests Germany will win by a wide margin and go through but they are sailing close to the wind. Costa Rica fell apart against Spain before looking far more organized against Japan and you get the impression it's vital they don't concede an early goal.
I'm taking only a passing interest in what is a 1 sided betting heat and will go with Sane to score for the Germans
Bets: Anytime goalscorer Leroy Sane at 21/20 with Sportingbet
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Japan 7/1 Draw 3.75/1 Spain 4/10
Japan
Japan passed up the opportunity to seal a place in the knockout rounds when they went down 1-0 to Costa Rica. They dominated much of the second half and caused Costa Rica some nervous times in the dying moments of the game.
In their opening match Doan and Asano were the Japan scorers in the come from behind 2-1 win over Germany. They saw only 26% of the possession but more than played their part in a terrific second half.
Spain
Despite having to settle for a 1-1 draw with Germany last time Spain are in the pound seats when it comes to qualification. Morata broke the deadlock against the Germans and had they held out they would have clinched a spot in the last 16.
Six Spanish players found the net in the 7-0 hiding of Costa Rica and Ferran Torres helped himself to 2 of their 7 goals.
In the outright betting to win the tournament Spain are trading at around 13/2
The Verdict:
On the evidence so far it could be Japan are better suited to playing the stronger nations and they remain dangerous but Spain have done little wrong and still need a result to rubber stamp their last 16 spot.
I quote like the chances of 2 goals or more in the second half.
Bets: 2nd half total goals over 1.5 at 9/10
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Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
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