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.

Spain vs Costa Rica match facts

• Date: Friday, July 21
• Kickoff Time: 3:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. BST / 5:30 p.m. AEST
• Location: Wellington Regional Stadium (Wellington, New Zealand)
• Official: Casey Reibelt (AUS)
• Last meeting: Spain 1-1 Costa Rica (Jun. 9, 2015 | 2015 Women's World Cup)

Spain vs Costa Rica prediction, odds

• Moneyline lean: Spain (-12,500)
• Score prediction: Spain 3-0 Costa Rica

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 fully exorcised.

Spain vs Costa Rica: best bet

• Pick: Costa Rica +4.5 goal handicap
• Odds: -120 (BetMGM)

Spain are one of the tournament favourites, but they have a lot of questions still to be answered.

First off, there's no guarantee that star midfielder Alexia Putellas is fit to start this match, as she's apparently dealing with some "physical discomfort" and training outside the team. While that doesn't sound like it would threaten her status at the tournament on the whole, it would be unwise for Spain to risk her here given that she is only recently back from a torn ACL.

While they still have plenty of talent without her and are capable of getting by Costa Rica, her potential absence removes a massive component of their attacking flair.

Costa Rica put forth a solid defensive showing at the CONCACAF W Championship, and while they were soundly beaten 3-0 by a methodical U.S. side and have serious trouble scoring goals, they can at least remain structured throughout the 90 minutes and keep Spain from running up the score.