World Cup: Japan vs Costa Rica – Match preview and betting tip

Ace Football team previews the World Cup clash between Japan and Costa Rica and offers the latest team news, stats, and free betting tips with the best odds.

Japan go up against Costa Rica this coming Sunday in their second outing in the World Cup group stage. With all scenarios still open, we are looking ahead to an exciting encounter.

Following the first round of the World Cup Group E stage, Japan are number two with three points, while Costa Rica have zero points as number four. Japan sit at number 24 in the FIFA world ranking, while Costa Rica enter their match on Sunday as number 31.

While considered outsiders for a group win, Japan are looking to cause a slight surprise and push their way into second place. Costa Rica, on the other hand, rank as the hefty favourites with the bookmakers to exit the World Cup before the real fun starts. They don’t have enough quality to cause a surprise.

World Cup table overview: Japan vs Costa Rica

Japan managed to squeeze out a tight 2-1 win in the first round. Getting away with three points from the first away group game in the World Cup will have them wanting for more in this their next group match. Costa Rica have a mountain to climb in the second round of the World Cup, judging by the prices with the bookmakers. Anything but a defeat will be a remarkable result.

Form: Japan vs Costa Rica

Japan Form

Japan delivered a bit of everything as their last three matches added four points to their tally. An encounter with Ecuador brought a 0-0 draw, which was followed by a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Canada. Their most recent game had them back on the winning trail, as they beat Germany by 1-2. The Samurai Blue claimed five wins in their last 10 matches across all tournaments, while also drawing two along the way. They endured three defeats in this run.

Costa Rica Form

Despite losing their latest outing, results have generally been decent in the last three matches for Costa Rica. They first took out Uzbekistan by 1-2 before downing Nigeria by 2-0. The winning streak ended against Spain, who ran out 7-0 winners. The Ticos were able to win seven of their previous 10 games across all tournaments, while drawing one of the games. They suffered two defeats as well.

Betting facts for Japan and Costa Rica

Here are some interesting betting-relevant facts based on the data from the last couple of matches that Japan and Costa Rica played across all competitions.

Players on top: Japan vs Costa Rica

It is the beginning of a new World Cup campaign, and both Japan and Costa Rica will be looking for their main strikers this season. Accordingly, we have listed some of the in-form players who are expected to be getting it on for each team this season.

Betting markets: Japan vs Costa Rica

Full-time result

Japan claimed all three points five times in their last 10 matches across all tournaments, while also drawing two along the way. They endured defeat in three of the games in this run. Costa Rica have won seven of their last 10 games, while drawing one and losing two in this series of matches.

Both teams to score

Surprisingly, Japan only scored the first goal of the match in three out of their last ten games. Costa Rica scored the opening goal in six of the last ten games. Costa Rica were able to win five of these matches without conceding a goal. Perhaps a number worth keeping in mind for an accumulator, depending on your betting strategy.

Total goals

Japan saw over 2.5 goals in six of their last ten matches across all tournaments, as they scored an average of 1.8 goals during this run. Over 2.5 goals happened in four of the last ten outings for Costa Rica, who managed to score 1.4 times in those matches.

Betting tip: Japan vs Costa Rica

In conclusion, the upcoming game between Japan and Costa Rica seems like a decent betting opportunity. Considering the abovementioned stats and facts, we have come up with a betting suggestion for this World Cup match.