Carry On Scoring Costa

Spain have taken four points from their two games and are on course to secure their last 16 berth. Only an unforeseen set of results will prevent them from qualifying. Last up for them is Morocco, who may already be on the plane home but have proved stubborn resistance so far in Group B. The two meet in Kaliningrad on Monday evening.

Spain

Fears that losing their manager a day before the World Cup would destruct Spain’s preparations have pretty much been laid to rest with the 2010 Champions having gone about their business as usual to stand on the verge of a spot in the next round.

A free-flowing display reminiscent of that famous winning team of eight years ago lit up the second day of the finals against Portugal, while a more workmanlike performance disposed of Iran to leave the Spaniards well placed on four points going into the final game, which they go into as heavy favourites.

Costa has 9 goals in his last 9 games

Talisman Diego Costa has been instrumental in leading the line, scoring three of Spain’s four goals so far. But having recently been upstaged by Messrs. Kane, Lukaku and Ronaldo in the goalscoring stakes, and with naturally half an eye on claiming the Golden Boot, the Atletico man will be relishing the chance to add to his tally here.

Spain, and Costa in particular will want to round of the group stage convincingly with stronger tests to come, if, as expected, La Furia Roja are seen in the latter stages.

Morocco

The Atlas Lions can consider themselves unlucky to become the first side to be eliminated from the finals having gone down to a last gasp own goal to Iran and an unintended Diego Costa strike in the second match. In both games, dominant spells yielded zero goals and having no end product has ultimately cost them from having more of an influence on this group.

Nonetheless, they’ll be wanting to bow out with their heads held high. Whether they do so may depend on the mood of their opponents with Spain more than capable of moving through the gears at any given opportunity. But they’ll take great heart from their displays so far and could prove to be another dogged opponent for Spain to pass.

The North Africans would be foolish to believe if they stave off the threat of Costa, they in turn stop Spain, especially with the likes of Isco, Iniesta and Silva more than capable of producing the goods. But preventing the fiery striker from getting on the scoresheet may just see Morocco have the final say in Group B.

Match Tip

Diego Costa is in such good form that they’re even going in off his knee without him knowing! Spain are expected to overcome Morocco’s brave resistance with the number 19 anticipated to be the main source of goals once more.

Bet Diego Costa to score 2 or more goals on Coral