Japan vs Costa Rica Prediction: Japan all the way

Japan tops the group C after their 5-0 win over Zambia in the first round and now they are facing 3rd place Costa Rica in the second match. Costa Rica fell to a 3-0 defeat in the hands of Spain in the first round and must win this game if they have any intentions of qualifying for the Knockout Stage. A win for Japan will seal their qualification to the Knockout stages and they will be aiming to achieve that with a win in this game.

Japan have certainly made their presence known in this tournament as they defeated Zambia in the opening match by 5-0. The Japanese team also defeated Panama in their final friendly game before the tournament by the same scoreline. In their last 5 matches in a row, Japan had 4 wins and 1 defeat.

In the game against Zambia, they grabbed the opening goal in the 43rd minute through Hinata Miyazawa. And then in the second half, they stretched their lead even further with goals from Mina Tanaka (55), Hinata Miyazawa (62), Jun Enido (71) and Riko Ueki (101). They also dominated the match statistics, taking over 60% possession, as well as registering 11 shots on target and playing 6 corner kicks.

Team streak: More than 2.5 goals (4/5), less than 4.5 cards (10/10), less than 10.5 corners (6/7).

Starting XI - 3-4-2-1

Ayaka Yamashita, Moeka Minami, Saki Kumagai, Rion Ishikawa, Jun Enudo, Fuka Nagano, Yui Hasegawa, Risa Shimizu, Hinata Miyazawa, Aoba Fujino, Mina Tanaka.

Costa Rica had no chance against the Spanish team in the first game and they lost 3-0 at the end of full time. Now they will face group leaders Japan in the second round in a bid to revive their chances of qualifying for the Knockout stages. Costa Rica have lost back-to-back games and have won once in their last 12 games in all competitions.

In the defeat to Spain, Costa Rica conceded all 3 goals in the first half of the match. Valeria del Campo scored an own goal in the 21st minute to hand Spain the first goal and then Aitana Bonmati and Esther Gonzalez stretched the lead of the Spanish side even further. The game ended in a 3-0 win for Spain. Costa Rica were clearly dominated according to the matchday statistics as they managed only 20% possession, 0 shot on target and 1 corner kick.

Team streak: more than 2.5 goals (5/7), first to concede (7/9), less than 4.5 cards (10/10), less than 10.5 corners (5/6).

Starting XI - (3-4-3)

Daniela Solera, Valeria del Campo, Mariana Benavides, Fabiola Villalobos, Maria Paula Elizondo, Gloriana Villalobos, Katherine Alvarado, Maria Coto, Priscilla Chinchilla, Maria Paula Salas, Melissa Herrera.

A straight and commanding win for Japan is the most probable outcome for this game. The Japanese are not only more experienced, but also have a superior quality compared to the Costa Rican team. And their big win in the first game has certainly given them enough confidence to take on Costa Rica in this game.

Bet on

• Any Team to Win by 3 or More Goals at 1.6 Odds
• Mina Tanaka - Anytime Goalscorer at 1.60 Odds
• Correct Score 3-0 at 5.50 Odds