TWO nations who made the biggest contrasting starts to their World Cup campaign meet on Sunday when Japan and Costa Rica meet.
The central American nation are only seven places behind the Samurai Blue in the FIFA World Rankings and it would probably have had punters puzzled about who to back with two contrasting styles before the tournament kicked off.
But their opening group stage were both sensational…in different ways.
Japan created one of the seismic shocks in the history of the tournament by coming from behind to stun Germany. They were always in the game even when they went a goal down and their high press and energy were too much for the shell-shocked Germans and they thoroughly deserved to win.
It was a sweet victory for their manager Hajime Moriyasu, who had faced plenty of criticism for his choice of squad and you can sure they will command plenty of respect in future.
Costa Rica had a complete and utter nightmare of a first game when they were blown away by a superb Spanish side in a 7-0 annihilation.
They looked totally out of their depth and were arguably lucky to get away with just the seven goals. It's hard to see how manager Luis Fernando Suarez can lift them off the floor for this.
How the bookies view it
Japan are suddenly now massive favourites after their respective opening games. Japan are huge odds-on favourites at 39/100 and the Costa Ricans are 32/5. The draw is 13/4. All prices with Highbet.
Recent head to heads
The sides have actually met on four different occasions – all friendlies and Costa Rica have never won.
The best they've managed was a draw, but Japan have won the other three meetings.
Players to watch
Japan's subs changed the game against Germany and Bochum striker Takuma Asano was the most impressive of all with the winner. He should surely start now and is 49/20 with Highbet.
Costa Rica struggled to create anything against Spain and former Arsenal striker Joel Campbell will expect more chances against Japan. He is 53/10 to score anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
Japan have now plummeted to an unbackable price on their own and we have to look for other ways to back them.
You'd expect Costa Rica to shut the door early on to avoid a repeat of their Spanish debacle and Japan tend to play better when chasing down teams.
They might be content to wait before overpowering Costa Rica so the draw at half time and Japan win at full time at 29/10 with Highbet appeals.
Japan managed to win six corners against Germany and we backed them on the corner handicap. So they can get at least seven against Costa Rica at 21/20.
This World Cup match between Japan and Costa Rica will be played on Nov 27, 2022 and kick off at 10:00. Check below for our tipsters best Japan vs Costa Rica prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
