Can you feel the Qatar buzz? In a mere three weeks, the most coveted sporting event on earth will commence as the World Cup 2022 qualifying teams begin their journey and attempt to become the best soccer team the planet has to offer.
The Qatar betting odds are available, so join us as we break down the best FIFA World Cup 2022 bets and predictions for Group E that will be contested by Spain, Germany, Japan, and Costa Rica.
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World Cup 2022 Group E Teams and Odds
World Cup 2022 Group E Schedule
Wednesday, November 23
- Germany vs. Japan (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan - 08:00 AM EDT)
- Spain vs. Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha - 11:00 AM EDT)
Sunday, November 27
- Japan vs. Costa Rica (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan - 05:00 AM EDT)
- Spain vs. Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor - 02:00 PM EDT)
Thursday, December 1
- Japan vs. Spain (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan - 02:00 PM EDT)
- Costa Rica vs. Germany (Lusail Stadium, Lusail - 02:00 PM EDT)
Monday, December 5
- Winners of Group E vs. Runners-up of Group F (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah - 10:00 AM EDT)
Tuesday, December 6
- Winners of Group F vs. Runners-up of Group E (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan - 10:00 AM EDT)
World Cup 2022 Group E Best Bets
Group E Pick: Spain to Win Group D (-115) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Group E Pick: Spain Spread -1 ½ -2 vs. Costa Rica (-110) at BetOnline
Group E Pick: Japan vs. Costa Rica - Over 2.5 Goals (+100) at BetOnline
Group E Pick: Germany vs. Japan - Over 2.5 Goals (-123) at BetOnline
World Cup 2022 Group E Breakdown: Spain
Positioned alongside Germany, the Spanish squad's seeding into Group E is one of the most talent-rich groups and the most difficult to predict.
To make matters more interesting, these two giants of the soccer world will go head-to-head in the tournament's opening round, a crucial fixture that could well determine which of the two finishes in first place.
Fans of international soccer must realize the Spanish squad is a work in progress; however, past discrepancies about their ability to finish in the final third were squashed during this year's UEFA Nations League. Luis Enrique's men reached the Nations League final but couldn't overcome the fearsome French squad.
The arrival of prospects such as Ferran Torres, Pedri, and Ansu Fati looks to give Spain a promising future. Still, this new generation is yet to prove themselves in a respected competition like the World Cup or Euros.
Spain as Favorite
Enrique's team looked like the deserving Group E favorites and one of the best soccer picks heading into Qatar. The manager's fearless decision-making that has dropped veterans David de Gea and Sergio Busquets from the starting line-up proves that a Spanish evolution is underway.
Spain to win Group E at -115 odds is the best valued priced of all the top-10 ranked teams in top-rated sportsbooks, but that's because they're the only team faced with a fellow top-10 ranked squad in their group.
That said, we believe this dynamic midfield has enough to overcome an uncertain German XI, and their meeting with Costa Rica has the potential to be a whitewash in favor of the Spaniards.
World Cup 2022 Group E Breakdown: Germany
Following an abysmal attempt at defending their crown during the 2018 World Cup, Germany will arrive in Qatar without the guidance of former coach Joachim Low for the first time in 15 years. But it was undoubtedly time for Low to move on; following Germany's trophy-winning World Cup Brazil 2014 appearance, a failure at the European Championship required a revamp for the German team.
Like their Group E Spanish foes, Hansi Flick is currently constructing a team that could be elite in the coming years. From the likes of Jamal Musiala proving to be one of the hottest young talents in Europe, this German squad also boasts the experience and clinical talent of Manuel Nuer, Thomas Muller, Joshua Kimmich, and Ilkay Gundogan.
Teams like Japan will need to open up and provide an attacking mentality if they bare any hope of qualifying, this is where I expect the floodgates to open in their meeting with Germany, and the over 2.5 will sail in.
Spain will be the only thorn in the side of Germany in Qatar, at least until the Round of 16 is underway. The worst likely finish for the Germans is still going to be second place, so we should expect to see this squad reach the tournament's knockout stages.
World Cup 2022 Group E Breakdown: Japan
Japan returns for its seventh consecutive World Cup appearance, but you must compete against the best to beat the best. And to be brutally honest, the Asian international scene doesn't provide an elite level of competition that this Japan squad will face in Qatar.
While they're lackluster in defense, Japan does possess an interesting front line that can cause some shockers in Group E. A recent draw with the United States proved they could hang with the middle-tier teams, but it remains to be seen if the Samurai Blue can pull through against more vigorous opposition.
Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu and Real Sociedad's winger Takefusa Kubo will be in Japan's starting XI, and this level of talent could teach the lesser-known squad members what it takes to sneak through the robust defenses of Spain and Germany.
World Cup 2022 Group E Breakdown: Costa Rica
Costa Rica pulled through during CONCACAF qualifying, and the veteran leadership of Keylor Navas and Bryan Ruiz overcame New Zealand to assist former Arsenal man Joel Campbell in booking the team's ticket to Qatar.
There isn't much hope for this squad, and they're likely to suffer against the likes of Spain. However, much like Japan, talent in the final third is where this team stands out.
Costa Rica should give Japan an exciting game; as the two underdogs of Group E, we expect a tightly fought encounter and a willingness to keep the back line in check.
With that said, both teams' strongest links are positioned up front. This is where the over 2.5 goals become an excellent betting opportunity for Costa Rica vs. Japan opening-round clash.
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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