‘We need to forget win over Germany’ – head coach Moriyasu
Japan take on Costa Rica in Group E of World Cup 2022 this morning as they hope to secure a spot in the last 16 today. Their opening game against Germany was one of the shocks of the tournament as Hajime Moriyasu’s men fought from a goal down to win 2-1 thanks to two goals in the second half. That victory puts Japan on three points and another win today will see them qualify if Spain avoid defeat to Germany in the late kick off.
They face a Costa Rica side low on confidence after they were soundly beaten 7-0 by Spain last time out. The Central American side have only reached the knockout rounds once since 1990 and failed to win a single game in Russia 2018 which, based on the evidence of their first game, looks likely to happen again during this tournament.
There are calls to make over personnel for both managers. It was Japan’s substitutes who changed the game against so will Moriyasu stick or twist with his starting XI?
Costa Rica boss, Luis Fernando Suarez, has a similar call to make – but for different reasons as his entire team were woeful against Spain – and he will be hoping that Whoever starts will play better if his side has any hope of earning a point in this group.
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Japan vs Costa Rica early team news and predicted line-ups
Hiroki Sakai is Japan’s big doubt after their opening win against Germany, having come off in the second half. There could be changes in attack given how well the team fared after changes made during that victory. Takumi Minamino and goalscorer Takuma Asano will be hoping to start this time.
Costa Rica have no injury concerns but could make multiple changes given how dismally they performed against Spain.
Japan XI: Gonda, Tomiyasu, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo, Morita, Shibasaki, Ito, Kamada, Minamino, Asano
Costa Rica XI: Martinez, Calvo, Duarte, Matarrita, Borges, Tejeda, Fuller, Bennette, Ruiz, Campbell
Michael Jones27 November 2022 08:41
Japan vs Costa Rica
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s World Cup action. Of course there are four more matches taking place throughout the day and we’ll be bringing you all the talking points and updates from Groups E and F.
First up Japan take on Costa Rica in Group E and could potentially end the day with a place in the last 16 fully secured. Their surprising 2-1 comeback win over Germany means that if they collect three points against Costa Rica this morning they will be on the verge of qualification. A place in the knockout rounds will then be secured if Spain avoid losing to Germany in the late 7pm kick off.
If Costa Rica win they will have bounced back from an opening 7-0 loss to the Spaniards. The Central American side are low on confidence after that performance but with Germany still to come in the group they’ll fancy themselves to pick up points against Japan.
Michael Jones27 November 2022 08:37
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