Two Very Different Realities
Last Wednesday, Japan pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, which began in 1930. On the other hand, Costa Rica suffered one of the most humiliating losses to date. Now, according to the latest soccer odds, the Blue Samurai shouldn’t have too much trouble winning, but again, this is a do-or-die match for Los Ticos, who also want to show that they belong to the elite.
Let’s check the latest World Cup odds, stats, injury reports, and World Cup lines for Japan vs Costa Rica. We’ve plenty of World Cup betting odds for you to consider.
Japan vs Costa Rica Betting Lines
Japan: They Never Give Up
Japan faced Germany in its debut and came from behind to win 2-1. That’s right, the Blue Samurai, who were offering a +600 price in the sportsbook, pulled off the upset against a team that has won the title four times.
The European side dominated the first half, enough for Ilkay Gundogan to score the opener from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute. However, the second half was completely different. Japan became a much more aggressive team and managed to score two goals in a span of eight minutes. Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano were the scorers. Make sure to remember those names, especially Asano.
Curiously enough, Germany finished with nine shots on target, five more than Japan, and won possession with 74 percent, but the Blue Samurai were more effective. Also, like it or not, the sport is changing. It’s no longer enough to have a constellation of stars; chemistry, discipline, and physical strength are also very important.
Finally, let’s keep in mind that Doan and Asano came off the bench. Takumi Minamino, considered one of the best players on the team, also came off the bench. In other words, we’re talking about a deep, talented roster whose potential is humongous.
Scoop on Free Play from the Locker Room
Costa Rica: Unrecognizable
So, I predicted Costa Rica would lose to Spain, but not 7-0. I think no one expected such a humiliating result, the worst in history for the Central America squad. As if that wasn’t enough, Los Ticos didn’t even take a single shot on target.
The thing is that Los Ticos won six of their last seven matches on the road to Qatar. In fact, before losing to La Roja, they only lost one of their previous 13 games in all competitions. Plus, their roster includes one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Keylor Navas, who didn’t want to talk after the game.
Of course, I expect head coach Luis Fernando Suarez to make some changes, including the addition of Kendall Waston to the starting lineup. Waston is an intimidating center-back who’s really good in the air on both sides of the field. In other words, a player who could make a difference. There’s Gerson Torres, a left winger that didn’t play against Spain. He’s very skilled and fast, so he could make a big difference as well.
After allowing seven goals, Costa Rica has no other option than to win, making them a tempting betting online underdog, especially at +700. Plus, they faced South Korea in late September and managed to get a point thanks to a 2-2 draw. South Korea and Japan are very similar squads.
Japan vs Costa Rica Match Information
- Match: Japan vs Costa Rica
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 27
- Time: 5 a.m. ET
- Location: Al-Rayyan Stadium, Al-Rayyan
- Japan vs Costa Rica Live stream: fubo.tv
Japan vs Costa Rica Picks & Prediction
- Is it worth betting on the Moneyline?
If you believe in Costa Rica, yes. Me, not so much. Los Ticos are offering a +700 price in the sportsbook, meaning you could win $700 per every $100 wagered on them. On the other hand, Japan is offering a -235 price, which is a bit high. Don’t get me wrong, the Blue Samurai deserve to be the favorites, but there are better deals out there.
- Is it worth betting ATS?
Here’s one of those deals. I do expect Costa Rica to put up a better fight, but I think it’s totally possible for Japan to win by two goals. The Blue Samurai are -1 at -140, which represents a lower risk than the moneyline.
- Is it worth betting on the Totals?
Yes. First of all, the game total is set at 2½, with the over-offering an EV price. Both will go all-in right from the start since Japan could seal its ticket to the round of 16 with a victory (they would also need Spain to defeat Germany), and Costa Rica is determined to bounce back. Second of all, Japan’s total is set at 1½, with the over offering a -145 price. If the Blue Samurai scored two goals against Germany, South Korea, and USA, the last two in friendly matches, they can score two or more against Los Ticos.
Score Prediction: Japan 3, Costa Rica 1
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