It is do or die for Germany as they must earn a victory against Costa Rica to stand any chance of progressing to the last-16 of the World Cup.
A damaging 2-1 loss to Japan in the first game put Hansi Flick’s men on the back foot, although they showed spirit and resolve to earn a 1-1 draw against Spain thanks to Niclas Fullkrug’s goal.
However, they must now beat Costa Rica to avoid the ignominy of going out in the group stage for the second straight World Cup.
Costa Rica could also qualify if they win, which is something no one would have predicted on the back of their 7-0 hiding by Spain in their opener.
Costa Rica vs Germany Betting Tips
Team news
Costs Rica boss Luis Fernando Suarez will be forced into making one change as defender Francisco Calvo has to sit this one out due to suspension after being booked in their opening two games.
Young defender Daniel Chacon came on against Japan last time so he could replace Calvo, as could the more experienced Juan Pablo Vargas.
Germany boss Hansi Flick has a decision to make up front with Fullkrug scoring off the bench on Sunday.
2010 Golden Boot winner Thomas Muller has underperformed so far in the tournament and could find his place under threat.
Leroy Sane also made a return to action after he missed the first match through a knee injury and is pushing for a start.
Germany to win and both teams to score @ 17/10
Germany arrived into the tournament in no sort of form and that has carried on in Qatar, meaning they find themselves in a tricky position with just one match remaining.
Germany must beat Costa Rica and hope that Spain do them a favour by beating Japan, so they have to approach this game in an attacking manner.
They can take comfort from the fact that Costa Rica completely crumbled against another big opponent in Spain and their ageing starting XI may not necessarily be able to cope with Flick’s attacking players.
However, they have now only managed to win three of 11 games this calendar year and the Japan game exposed some defensive vulnerabilities in the side.
With both sides ideally needing to try and win, this one could be a very open game and Germany’s attacking talent should see them through – though the CONCACAF side will not make it easy.
Niclas Fullkrug to score last @ 3/1
In just three caps, the 29-year-old Werder Bremen forward has scored twice and Fullkrug is proving to be a very useful option for Flick off the bench.
He was only called up to the Germany squad for the first time for this World Cup after a run which has seen him score 10 in 14 games for Bremen.
Fullkrug is a player full of confidence and is an excellent finisher. With Germany stacked for creative talent behind him, he could be presented with chances late on, assuming he comes off the bench again.
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