On Sunday morning, Japan and Costa Rica clash in gameweek two of Group E of the World Cup.
Japan form guideThe Blue Samurai caused a massive shock in gameweek one by recording a 2-1 win over Germany. The victory puts Japan in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages, as another victory in this clash would likely be enough to see Hajime Moriyasu’s team make it to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
The win over Germany means that Japan has suffered just one defeat in their last seven international matches. They have also kept clean sheets in five of those seven games in the strong run of form.
The Blue Samurai ended a three-game winless run in the World Cup with the defeat of Germany. Japan have also scored at least two goals in four of their last five games in the competition. This game seems the perfect opportunity to record back-to-back World Cup wins.
Costa Rica form guideLos Ticos endured a nightmare start to their World Cup campaign, as they suffered a 7-0 humbling against Spain in their opening game in Group E. The defeat ended a promising five-game unbeaten run for Costa Rica, having recorded four wins and a draw.
The defeat against La Roja means that Costa Rica have now failed to win in their last five games at the World Cup. El Tricolor have also failed to score in four of their previous five games in the competition.
Latest team newsJapan have fitness doubts over defender Hiroki Sakai. Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could start if Sakai is missing. After scoring the winning goal off the bench against Germany, striker Takuma Asano could start this game.
Costa Rica have no injury problems. However, after such a heavy defeat in their World Cup opener, head coach Luis Suarez may well decide to rotate his squad.
What am I backing?The two teams opening games said a lot about them, and I am backing Japan to record a comfortable victory over Los Ticos.
