Japan and Costa Rica could not have had more contrasting fortunes in their opening games of the Women’s World Cup and there is plenty for both of them to play for in their Group C clash in Dunedin on Wednesday.
Japan, who won the World Cup 12 years ago, cruised past Zambia 5-0 and will anticipate a similarly comfortable victory over their Central American opponents in New Zealand.
Costa Rica, meanwhile, have to pick themselves up from a 3-0 defeat to Spain in which they could have easily been beaten by a greater margin.
Japan Women vs Costa Rica Women Tips
Team news
After such a comprehensive victory in their opening game, it would be highly surprising if there were any changes in the Japanese team.
That would mean that they stick with their three-player attack with Hinata Miyazuma, who scored twice in the win over Zambia, alongside Minami Tanaka, who was also on target, and Aoba Fujina.
Costa Rica will be hoping to be stronger in defence than they were in their defeat to Spain and that means they should field a three-player back line to try and shut the Japanese out.
That trio should still include Valeria del Campo, who put through her own net to give La Roja the lead in Friday’s match.
Over 3.5 Japan goals @ 13/8
Japan will be brimming with confidence after their opening victory and should go on the front foot early to secure their second win of the group stage.
That tactic worked well for Spain when they face Costa Rica as they stormed into a three-goal lead in the first half an hour before easing up.
Spain also missed a penalty in that match and Costa Rica keeper Daniela Solera was regularly called upon to produce saves in order to keep the score respectable.
She may not be able to keep Japan at bay to the same degree and there is scope for them to concede even more goals than they did on Friday.
It is Costa Rica’s second visit to the World Cup and they have yet to win a game, so it is possible that Japan will score at least four in this clash.
Hinata Miyazawa to score in 90 minutes @ 6/5
Only Germany scored more goals in their opening World Cup clash than Japan and as Hinata Miyazawa scored twice in the win over Zambia, she may be thinking she is in with a chance of winning the Golden Boot if she can make hay against Costa Rica.
The quality of the Central Americans’ defending in their loss to Spain suggests they could present Japan with a fair number of chances.
One of those opportunities could easily fall Miyazawa’s way and with plenty of attacking ability sat on the bench waiting to replace her, she could simultaneously strengthen her place in the team and boost her position in the tournament scoring charts at the same time.
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