Japan vs Costa Rica: the Ticos Last Chance of Reconstruction
Japan and Costa Rica will face each other for the second groups game round. While the Samurai Blue arrive strong after a 2-1 victory against Germany, the Ticos come from a massive 7-0 defeat against Spain.
The encounter between the teams will be the first game of the Sunday section, 27th of November. The kickoff is at 10 am at Al Rayyan Stadium.
Japan arrive as favourites for winning against Costa Rica.
Samurai Blue: tournament revelation
Japan once again have surprised in the World Cup. This time by beating unexpectedly to an always favourite Germany.
From the beginning, Japan showed strength in the defense which Germany struggled to break through it.
The strikers were delivering plays, scoring in the 8th in a later off-side action, putting the Germans under pressure. But, Japan struggled to break the defense and score. They had chances during the whole game, specially during the second half. The Samurai Blue’s had a lack of consistency in finishing plays.
Japan played in a 4-3-3 lineup, that it is the most likely to see again against Costa Rica.
The Ticos: Decisive game
Costa Rica arrive as the least favourites. Costa Rica will need to win against Japan to have a chance to make it to the knockout. A loss of the Central Americans will leave them out of the World Cup.
The Ticos come from a humiliating loss against Spain (7-0). They were not able to shoot one single time in the whole game.
Luis Fernando’s team changed the lineup from their usual 4-4-2 for a 5-4-1. This strategy didn’t bring the expected results. The formation just made it easier for the Spaniards, who played almost the whole game in the Costa Rica’s half of the pitch.
The disorganization of the defense made easy the way in of the strikers. The lack of minutes during the last months of Keylor Navas at PSG was reflected in the performance of the goalkeeper.
Everybody expected more football from Costa Rica that what we saw against Spain. The innovative lineup hasn’t work for them. A return of their 4-4-2 is expected to face the Samurai Blue’s.
