Preview:
Japan scripted a fairytale comeback as they came from behind to shock 2014 World Cup winners Germany in their opening match of FIFA World Cup 2022. Japan conceded an early goal in 33rd minute when IIkay Gundogan converted the penalty. However, Japan leveled in 75th minute through Ritsu Doan's goal and later won the game when Takuma Asano scored a brilliant goal in the 83rd minute.
Samurai Blue will now have a chance to move to the next round with a win here against Costa Rica. Notably, Japan's next match is against Spain, and considering the form of the Enriques' side, Japan would want to keep the result of this match in their favor.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica suffered an embarrassing defeat against Spain as they were thrashed 7-0. Ferran Torres scored twice, while Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio, Gavi, Carlos Soler, and Alvaro Morata scored 1 each as Costa Rica's defense was put under the spotlight.
A defeat against Japan would end Costa Rica's hopes of making it to the next round and the side would aim to put on a better show to stay alive in the competition.
Where will the match take place?
Japan vs Costa Rica will kick off at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan at 3:30 PM IST.
Where can one watch Japan vs Costa Rica in India?
Sports18 and Sports18 HD will broadcast the match on television.
Where can one live stream Japan vs Costa Rica?
Japan vs Costa Rica FIFA World Cup 2022 match can be streamed on the JioCinema app.
Team News
Japan
Hiroki Sakai is doubtful for the contest against Costa Rica after he picked up an injury during the Germany clash. Takehiro Tomiyasu is likely to replace the injured Sakai.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica, on the other hand, does not have any injury concerns but we might see a few changes in the XI from the previous game.
Kendall Waston could come for Carlos Martinez, while we could also see Bryan Ruiz and Alvaro Zamora in the starting XI.
Predicted Line-up:
Japan
Gonda; Tomiyasu, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Endo, Tanaka; Ito, Kamada, Kubo; Asano
Last 5 matches (Most recent first)
Win, Lose, Draw, Win, Lose
Costa Rica
Navas; Waston, Calvo, Duarte, Oviedo; Tejeda, Borges; Bennette, Fuller; Campbell, Contreras
Last 5 matches (Most recent first)
Lose, Win, Lose, Draw, Win
Score Prediction:
Conclusion:
Japan played a brilliant game against Germany and they are expected to win over Costa Rica to advance to the next round.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.