Japan vs Costa Rica Prediction: Can Japan Continue its Winning Momentum?

In the upcoming scheduled contest of Japan taking on Costa Rica, we can expect an absolute thriller as Group E is turning out to be the most competitive this season. According to the win predictor, Japan has a 67% percent chance of winning and taking the leap in the next stage; however, Costa Rica will be determined to produce an upsetting game against Japan. After winning against Germany, Japan will be confident about taking a clean chit in the Round of 16. On the other hand, Costa Rica is coming off a shameful and unbearable defeat against Spain (7-0). The last time these two sides played against each other, Japan won 3-0.

Japan - Can Ritsu Doan Carry the Goal Scoring Rhythm? (WLDWL)

Winning against Germany was an important event for Japan as they look positive to illuminate their qualifying chances for the Round of 16. In the game against Germany, Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano scored goals in the second half of the game, giving their side a certain edge against the formidable opposition. Japan is likely to continue with the same 4-4-2 formation, with Maeda and Kamada leading the attack. Even though it is doubtful that Japan would launch an all-out offensive against Costa Rica from the start, Moriyasu could be tempted to persist with the back three that successfully neutralized the threat of Germany's wide overloads after the break.

Expected Opening Lineup for Japan

Gonda; Itakura, Yoshida, Tomiyasu; Sakai, Endo, Tanaka, Nagatomo; J Ito, Asano, Kamada.

Costa Rica - Need to Solidify their Defense Skills (LWDWW)

Going in the contest, Costa Rica is coming off a thrashing defeat against Spain (7-0), in which no striker or defender was comfortable playing their part. Taking no positives or confidence from the last game, Costa Rica is likely to stay quite low and struggle against Japan, who are the hot favorites for winning the contest. Suarez is anticipated to have access to his whole team. However, it is unknown how many of the starting XI that Spain condemned to death by a thousand passes (1,045 to be exact) will keep their positions.

Expected Opening Lineup for Costa Rica

Navas; Fuller, Duarte, Waston, Calvo, Oviedo; Campbell, Tejeda, Aguilera, Zamora; Contreras.

Expert Betting Tips

Going in the game, Japan will be the certain favorite to win and score two or even more goals. Costa Rica is unlikely to score or trouble Japan, as we saw in the last game. The game total is expected to be under 2.5 goals, and the final scoreline to be 2-0.

• Japan to Win for 1.44
• Correct Score 2-0 for 6.00
• Takumi Minamino To Score At Any Time - Yes for 2.6

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