World Cup
2022-11-27 - Japan vs Costa Rica
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football; World Cup Qatar 2022: Group E
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium - Ar-Rayyan, Qatar
Sunday, 27th November 2022 - kickoff 11:00 CET
Japan
Japan stunned many with their 1-2 comeback victory over Germany in the first round, but I warned they are tough to break and could surprise. Despite being outplayed in the first half, they managed to shift momentum and win.
Now the team`s confidence is very high, and a win here would likely put Japan in the knockout phase. Considering how poorly Costa Rica played in their first match, chances are high that Japan will achieve its goal.
The last match was Japan`s fifth game from the last six with over 2.5 goals scored, and perhaps another high-scoring game is on the cards.
Four years ago, Japan faced Costa Rica in a friendly game and defeated them 3-0, and I believe a similar outcome is likely in this match.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica`s shameful performance in the first game against Spain got heavily punished, with them losing 7-0. It is one of the highest defeats in World Cup history, and I doubt they can do any better in this game.
Costa Rica is a total outsider, and there was nothing good from them in the first game. Amazingly, they did not even manage one serious shot on goal and rarely even made it past the half pitch.
Costa Rica is currently winless in seven straight World Cup games. In five of those, they also failed to score. Costa Rica conceded at least twice in their last three games, so their defense is terrible.
The Betting Verdict
We have a duel between one motivated, confident side and a demolished team without high ambitions.
Perhaps Costa Rica will tighten up more, but I doubt they will avoid defeat against the Japanese.
The Pick :
Japan 3-0 Costa Rica
