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 |
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| 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.
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.
