Japan will look to verify an early ticket into the spherical of 16 once they face a struggling Costa Rica facet at Al Rayyan Stadium
Regarded by many because the darkish horses for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Japan definitely delivered on their pre-tournament hype, rallying from a objective right down to stun four-time champions Germany and recording some of the memorable end result of their nationâs footballing historical past.
With Samurai blue at the moment boasting a number of gamers working at a great degree in Europe. The squad, on paper, is nearly as good because it has ever been when it comes to technical qualities, velocity, and improved physicality and tactical understanding.
Briefly, Hajime Moriyasuâs facet have the makings of a facet that may go toe-to-toe towards superior opponents and make a deep run within the match. The two-1 giant-killing of the mighty Germans means the Japanese have put themselves in with an ideal likelihood
In stark distinction to their counterparts, Costa Rica have had a nightmare begin to their World Cup marketing campaign.
They had been humiliated 7-0 by Spain of their opening sport in what was a hapless, gutless show devoid of grit or want. Whereas they nonetheless have an opportunity to progress to the following spherical, given their inferior high quality, they may primarily be enjoying for delight.
They might want to step up massively to provide Japan a run for his or her cash and supply their followers one thing to cheer about.
Whereas they by no means actually stood an opportunity of qualifying by a gaggle coined because the âGroup of Dyingâ, which consists of powerhouses as Germany and Spain, they definitely would have deliberate to place up a stronger battle given the defensive resilience they’ve showcased pior to the battering by the hands of Spain.
This can be a do-or-die match for El Ticos. A loss towards Japan, and Eduardo Berizzoâs males will probably be reserving an early flight house from Qatar.
Japan vs Costa Rica confirmed lineups
Japan XI (4-2-3-1): Gonda; Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Endo, Morita; Soma, Kamada, Doan; Ueda
Costa Rica XI (4-2-2-2): Navas; Waston, Calvo, Duarte, Oviedo; Fuller, Tejeda, Borges, Torres; Campbell, Contreras
Japan vs Costa Rica LIVE updates
Japan and Costa Rica’s upcoming World Cup fixtures
Japan will face historic match juggernaut’s Spain of their ultimate Group E sport, that means they may be desirous to get a constructive end result from the Costa Rica sport to verify their ticket for the following spherical. In worse case state of affairs, even a draw would put them in a powerful place for qualification into the knockout rounds.
As for Costa Rica, they may spherical off their World Cup group stage towards Germany, who’re additionally on the point of an early exit.
