After a series of ups and downs in their first matches, Japan and Costa Rica are now getting ready for a crucial match at Dunedin Stadium. Japan had a very close start but managed to beat Zambia convincingly with a 5-0 win, thanks to an outstanding performance by Hinata Miyazawa. On the other hand, Costa Rica had a humiliating 3-0 loss against a strong Spanish team, who bombarded them with a staggering 46 shots. Read about every detail of the Japan vs Costa Rica Group C fixture in our FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 coverage.
Match Details | Japan vs Costa Rica
Group: C
Date: 26/7/02023
Time: 17:00 (Dunedin)/ 07:00 (Tokyo)/10.30 (India)
Venue: Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand
Streaming: FIFA+ App, Fancode (India), DD Sports (India)
Head-to-head | Japan vs Costa Rica
Japan had faced Costa Rica once in a friendly on 09/04/2017 where they had beaten them by 3-0.
Japan in last five matches: W, W, L, W, W
Costa Rica in last five matches: L, L, W, L, L
Team News: Japan vs Costa Rica
Japan
Japan would be very confident going into the match after thrashing Zambia in the last match. They were solid in all the departments after a close start to the match. Hinata Miyazawa was outstanding playing her debut FIFA Women’s World Cup match where not only she scored a brace but created multiple chances of scoring for her team. Miyazawa is going to be a very important player for the Asian Giants in the coming games.
Futoshi Ikeda had a 3-4-3 formation against Zambia and that created a swift link-up between Hinata Miyazawa, Aoba Fujino and Mina Tanaka which looked impressive. For Japan, with a game against stronger Spain still to come, the team selection from Futoshi would be under scanner for sure.
Injury News | Japan
There are still significant uncertainties surrounding the physical condition of forward Maika Hamano. Engaging in separate training sessions due to a shoulder injury, she remained on the sidelines as an unused substitute during the Zambia match.
Costa Rica
Amelia Valverde had boldly opted for a 3-4-3 formation in Costa Rica’s thrilling opening match against Spain, cleverly bringing together a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans. Despite the relentless pressure from the Spanish team, the Central Americans showcased their resilience by denying them any goals in the second half. With an unwavering determination, their upcoming game strategy will once again revolve around swift counter-attacks, aiming to secure an early lead that they can protect with all their might.
Gloriana Villalobos will be the biggest hope for Valverde’s team. The 2019 Pan American Games bronze medal winner plays at the heart of the attack for Costa Rica. With her speed and endurance to run the whole game, her team can certainly hope for a goal from her.
Injury News | Costa Rica
As per the news till now, everyone in the Costa Rican squad is fit and fine. Hence coach Amelia Valverde will have the opportunity to form her best squad for the Japan vs Costa Rica match.
Key stats | Japan vs Costa Rica
In the most recent match, Saki Kumagai from Japan made history by playing in the tournament 12 years after winning in 2011.
Costa Rica, who are playing only their second FIFA Women’s World Cup, are yet to win a game in the tournament’s history. Moreover, they are also still yet to keep a clean sheet in the competition.
Goalkeeper Daniela Solera from Costa Rica made 10 saves during the match against Spain. This accomplishment made her the first goalkeeper since 2015 to achieve 10 or more saves in a game.
Japan vs Costa Rica | Possible Lineups
Japan possible lineup (3-4-3): Ayaka Yamashita, Moeka Minami, Saki Kumagai (C), Rion Ishikawa, Jun Endo, Fuka Nagano, Yui Hasegawa, Risa Shimizu, Hinata Miyazawa, Mina Tanaka, Riko Ueki
Costa Rica possible lineup (3-4-3): Daniela Solera, Fabiola Villalobos, Valeria del Campo, Fabiola Villalobos, Katherine Alvarado (C), Emilie Valenciano, Gloriana Villalobos, Raquel Rodríguez, Priscilla Chinchilla, Maria Paula Salas, Melissa Herrera,
