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Japan vs Costa Rica: Betting tips, predictions, odds & match preview

Japan vs Costa Rica- Betting tips, predictions, odds & match preview

Japan have put themselves in a strong position to qualify from this World Cup’s ‘Group of Death’ after upsetting the odds to beat Germany, and next up is a test against early strugglers Costa Rica on Sunday at 10am (UK time).

Japan vs Costa Rica: Betting tips

Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+ Only. Terms and Conditions Apply.

Japan vs Costa Rica: Predictions

Japan vs Costa Rica: Predictions
Bet Prediction Best odds
BTTS? No 63/100 with Midnite
Correct score 2-0 24/5 with Midnite
First Goalscorer
Daichi Kamada
 27/5 with Midnite

Japan were considered one of the dark horses to make an impression in Qatar before a ball was kicked, and Hajime Moriyasu’s side tapped into that potential by shocking 2014 champions Germany in their opener. The Samurai Blue defended stoutly, and then countered Hansi Flick’s men with purpose and penetration to produce a famous comeback.

The result echoed Germany’s 2018 start after Mexico stunned them four years ago. This time, it was Japan’s turn to claim an almighty scalp at football’s most prestigious competition. Their fate is now in their own hands. A win on Sunday all but guarantees them an unlikely place in the knockouts.

Costa Rica were cast in a dramatic showing of their own for their opener, though they were caught on the wrong end of a battering. Spain tore through them like a hot knife through butter to stick seven past a typically hard-to-beat Keylor Navas. Luis Fernando Suarez must now, somehow, rally the troops for Sunday.

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Japan vs Costa Rica match result odds

Japan vs Costa Rica match stats

Daichi Kamada wasn’t among the scorers in Japan’s historic win over Germany, but the Frankfurt midfielder was heavily influential going forward, and will certainly be among those looking to inflict further woe on Costa Rica this weekend. In fact, since the start of last season, only Lionel Messi (nine) has scored more goals in Europe (Champions League and Europa League combined) than Kamada (eight) among midfielders. 

Japan vs Costa Rica: Squawka Says

Scoreline prediction: Japan 2-0 Costa Rica

Japan vs Costa Rica head-to-head

11 Sep 2018 – Japan 3-0 Costa Rica – International Friendly

03 Jun 2014 – Costa Rica 1-3 Japan – International Friendly

17 Apr 2002 – Japan 1-1 Costa Rica – International Friendly

06 Aug 1995 – Japan 3-0 Costa Rica – International Friendly

This will be the fourth time these two nations have met, but the first in a competitive setting. Their most recent tussle came in 2018, with Moriyasu’s men running out 3-0 victors, thanks to goals from Takumi Minamino, Junya Ito and a Bryan Oviedo own goal.

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