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World Cup Group E features two genuine heavyweights of European soccer – Spain and Germany. Unfortunately for Japan and Costa Rica, they will find it extremely difficult to qualify for the knockout phase.
Naturally, the bookmakers favor Spain and Germany to reach the last 16. Who will come out on top? Can Japan or Costa Rica upset the odds? It’s time to take a closer look at Group E and determine the winner.
Spain World Cup Preview 2022
Odds to Win Group E: -110
While many high-profile European teams struggled for consistency in this year’s Nations League, Spain suffered a solitary defeat in six games to finish atop Group A2. In the previous match, Luis Enrique’s men sealed a dominant victory over Portugal.
The 2010 World Cup champions have lost just one of their last ten matches in all competitions, picking up seven wins along the way. They also kept six clean sheets during that period, highlighting their defensive solidity.
Spain’s squad is stacked with gifted young stars, including Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres. With experienced players such as Sergio Busquets and Thiago Alcantara also on board, La Roja is expected to go deep into the tournament.
Germany World Cup Preview 2022
Odds to Win Group E: +110
On the topic of gifted young stars, let’s talk about Germany’s rising talents. At just 19, Jamal Musiala has already bagged 12 goals and eight assists for Bayern Munich this season. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko has racked up six goals and six assists.
Head coach Hansi Flick can call upon plenty of experienced players, too, such as Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller. Let’s not forget that Neuer and Muller were part of the Germany squad that lifted the World Cup trophy in 2014.
That said, it is worth noting that Germany heads into the World Cup on the back of several below-par results. Having won just one of their last seven outings in all competitions, the Germans need to hit the ground running in Qatar.
Japan World Cup Preview 2022
Odds to Win Group E: +1400
Japan has played more games than most national teams this year, chalking up 13 encounters across multiple competitions. Impressively, Hajime Moriyasu’s boys have only suffered two losses in 2022.
The Samurai Blue’s squad is stacked with household names, including Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), Takumi Minamino (Monaco), Diachi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Taekfua Kubo (Real Sociedad).
Still, with Spain and Germany expected to dominate Group E, Japan will struggle to reach the knockout phase.
Costa Rica World Cup Preview 2022
Odds to Win Group E: +2800
Costa Rica has featured at four of the past five World Cups. With the exception of a memorable run to the quarterfinals in 2014, the CONCACAF nation has failed to make the grade in soccer’s most prestigious tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas is undoubtedly the standout name on the Costa Rica roster. However, without limited quality elsewhere in the squad, they are not expected to cause an upset in Qatar.
Few would argue that Spain and Germany won’t claim the qualification berths in Group E, but who will come out on top? Due to their eye-catching form in the lead-up to the tournament, I can see the Spaniards outperforming the Germans.
Best Bet: Spain to Win Group E (-110)
