Spain vs Costa Rica prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for Women's World Cup 2023 group stage
One of the pre-tournament favourites, Spain, take the field for the first time as they begin Women's World Cup play in New Zealand with their first match of Group C against Costa Rica.
Drawn against the Central Americans plus matches against Zambia and Japan to come, the European giants boast a huge compliment of talent in their prime — stars like Alexia Putellas, Jennifer Hermoso, Aitana Bonmati, and a host of other big-name players with top European clubs.
The Spanish national squad features 19 players of 23 total roster selections from either Barcelona or Real Madrid, underpinning not only the disparity between teams in the Spanish league, but also the wealth of talent available to the national side.
Costa Rica qualified via their semifinal appearance at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship and, led by Portland Thorns midfielder Raquel Rodriguez, they will be hoping to shock the world and reach the knockout round for the first time in history in just their second Women's World Cup showing.
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Spain are huge favourites as one of the world's top teams, but don't count the CONCACAF minnows out, at least not to the extent the betting market believes, with a massive 4.5 goal spread separating the sides.
Costa Rica finished level with this Spain side in their only previous meeting, a 1-1 draw back in the 2015 Women's World Cup, also pulled together in the group stage.
Spain are coming off a disappointing showing at last year's European Championships, with both Alexia Putellas and Jennifer Hermoso out injured, and while they are flying again with their best players back on the field, it's a concern that those recent demons have yet to be
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