Costa Rica have a daunting opening game at Qatar 2022 as they take on 2010 champions Spain in Doha today, where the temperature will still be in the mid 20s at kick-off. Can Los Ticos spring a surprise like in 2014, or will Spain’s new generation just have too much for the Central American side? Here’s how to watch a Spain vs Costa Rica live stream in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
WATCH WORLD CUP 2022 LIVE STREAM
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Date: 23 November 2022
Venue: Al-Thumama Stadium, Doha
Spain’s complete domination of the international stage feels like a long time ago now, with Sergio Busquets the only surviving member of the squad that lifted the World Cup trophy in South Africa 12 years ago. But this new generation certainly shows promise. Gavi and Pedri will be midfield mainstays for years to come, and while they lack a clinical goalscorer right now, there’s no doubt they still have more than enough to despatch Costa Rica.
Luis Enrique has decided not to play an outright striker, with Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo either side of Marco Asensio. Rodri plays at centreback alongside his Man City teammate Aymeric Laporte, while Pedri and Gavi complete a midfield three with the vastly experienced Sergio Busquets.
Costa Rica surprised everyone by topping their group in 2014, but that feels like a tall order here in a group that contains two of the world’s best sides. Luis Fernando Suárez’s team won six of their last seven qualifying games to book their place in Qatar, but they struggled going forward and will rely on counter-attacks and set-pieces to score goals. The performances of veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas will be key to Costa Rica’s prospects.
Navas starts for Costa Rica here, while former Arsenal striker Joel Campbell plays up front alongside Contreras and Borges, who makes a record 156th appearance.