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Japan v Costa Rica Preview

Japan v Costa Rica Preview

Mayes Yousef

The first match of the day sees Japan clash with Costa Rica, in a Group E match at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

Japan could secure themselves a spot in the Round of 16 if they defeat Costa Rica, who miserably lost 7-0 to Spain.

Japan started their World Cup campaign a lot differently than Costa Rica, when they came back and scored a goal to put them in the lead against Germany, ultimately winning the match 2-1.

This may be the greatest moment in the nation’s footballing history.

Costa Rica’s loss to Spain, meanwhile, was the biggest in their history and in a World Cup appearance.

Japan will be playing to secure a spot in the knock-out stage while Costa Rica will be playing for redemption and pride.

Both sides have met twice before, with Japan winning both matches.

Kick-off is at 13:00 Doha time.

Japan line-up: Gonda; Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Endo, Morita; Soma, Kamada, Doan; Ueda

Costa Rica line-up: Navas; Waston, Calvo, Duarte, Oviedo; Fuller, Tejeda, Borges, Torres; Campbell, Contreras