Kick-off: 1000, 27/11/2022
Stadium: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
TV: ITV
Japan are eyeing another appearance in the World Cup knockout stage after stunning Germany and can take care of Costa Rica.
Los Ticos were left shellshocked by a 7-0 thrashing from Spain and it is hard to see them recovering in time for Sunday’s Group E clash.
We like 23/20 for the Samurai Blue to lead at half-time and full-time as our first Japan vs Costa Rica prediction.
Japan Odds
Japan are featuring in their seventh straight finals tournament and made it through to the last 16 in 2002, 2010 and 2018.
They were expected to find life hard in this pool, but belied big odds when coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1 first up.
The Samurai Blue trailed to a 33rd-minute penalty from Ilkay Gundogan and were grateful for Die Mannschaft spurning several other chances.
However, Japan had shown plenty of energy going forward themselves and substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano turned things around in the final quarter of an hour.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu said: “From the start, we decided to be aggressive.
“Of course, Germany’s possession was higher, but this was no surprise for us.
“Our players were very intelligent, they were smart and we had opportune moments in the first half as well.
“In the second half, we caught them up. Not just a simple counter-attack but waiting and then going for the opportune moments.”
Celtic striker Daizen Maeda looked dangerous on the break before coming off around the hour mark.
The 25-year-old has a decent scoring record for the Hoops and appeals at 21/10 to net in a Samurai Blue win from the Japan vs Costa Rica odds.
Costa Rica Odds
Costa Rica famously caused a stir when topping their group at Brazil 2014 ahead of Uruguay, Italy and England.
However, some of those players are still around and were made to look their age when put to the sword by Spain.
Manager Luis Fernando Suarez admitted: “I am feeling very sad. There’s no doubt about that. I had very different expectations for this match.
“Spain played an amazing game and we didn’t. We have players who are better than today.
“We have to forget about this result and start thinking about the next game, however difficult that may be.”
Los Ticos finished strongly in the CONCACAF qualifying section and then shaded New Zealand in a play-off.
However, they were so sluggish on Wednesday that we just can’t see any way back for them in Qatar.
Let’s add 16/5 for the Samurai Blue to win by exactly two goals as our last Japan vs Costa Rica prediction.
Additional stats
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