FOOTBALL
World Cup Predictions: Japan vs Costa Rica
The Japan camp might still be in euphoria following their fantastic opening-day victory against Germany. But the Blue Samurais will have to reproduce their brilliance on the pitch when they take on Costa Rica on Sunday afternoon.
A win for Japan will guarantee them a place in the knockout stages.
Los Ticos can’t afford to drop further points after losing 7-0 in their first match. Costa Rica will also try their best to win and keep their World Cup campaign alive.
Japan started off on the right foot as they pushed Germany back with their high press in the opening minutes of the game.
But the four time world champions composed themselves and grew into the game.
They deservingly took the lead as İlkay Gündoğan converted from the spot. Germany almost took a two-goal lead into the interval, but Kai Havertz’s goal was ruled out for offside.
Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu clearly felt that his team has lost control of the match, so he changed his tactics after the break.
He moved on from the 5-4-1 and deployed a more attacking 3-4-3. Moriyasu was rewarded for his brilliant in-game management with two second-half goals. Ritsu Doan drew the scores level before Takuma Asano dealt the lethal blow.
Japan will want to confirm their tickets to the knockout stage in the Costa Rica game as they will play their final group match against Luis Enrique’s Spain. A win will give them 100% assurance, while a draw will also edge them closer to the threshold.
Costa Rica have played against Japan five times before, but none of those matches were competitive ones.
Ahead of their first-ever meeting in the World Cup, the 2014 quarterfinalists cannot draw inspiration from their head-to-head record versus Japan as they never won against them before. Four matches ended in Japan’s favour and only once Costa Rica managed to salvage a draw.
Costa Rica’s backdrop to this game starkly contrasts their opponents. While Japan revels in the glory of beating one of the most powerful teams in the competition, Luis Fernando Suárez’s men will have to forget the horrors of a 7-0 thrashing and take the pitch to fight for survival.
But Costa Rica can look at Iran to get some belief ahead of the game.
Team Meli responded to their 6-2 loss against England with a magnificent 2-0 win over Wales to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
The CONCACAF unit must believe they can do something similar against Japan and leave the qualification race in Group E wide open.
Right-back Hiroki Sakai could not finish the game against Germany as he picked up an injury.
So, Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to occupy the right side of the defence. However, Tomiyasu is not 100% fit either, as he could not train on Thursday. So, Hajime Moriyasu will have to wait to learn what his options are at right-back.
Takuma Asano made a strong case for himself to get more minutes as he came off the bench to score the winner.
Moriyasu might feel tempted to hand him a start against Costa Rica at the expense of Daizen Maeda.
Left-back Yuto Nagatomo was also withdrawn from the pitch because of an injury issue, but the veteran is fit to start against Costa Rica.
Costa Rica will have no injury-enforced change in their lineup. But considering their terrible start to the tournament, Luis Fernando Suárez might bring changes to the first XI.
Kendall Waston could replace Carlos Martinez if Suárez opts for reshuffling the rearguard.
Álvaro Zamora and Bryan Ruiz might get in as well. But Joel Cambell and Anthony Contreras might be trusted again to lead the attack.
Our Prediction
We expect Costa Rica to put on a more competitive performance against Japan than they did against Spain.
But it’s difficult to root for the Central Americans against a buoyant Japan side.
We believe Japan will make it two wins out of two with a 3-1 victory.
Date: 27 November
Kickoff: 3:30 PM IST
Venue: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
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