World Cup 2022 Tipsheet: Japan can inflict further pain on Costa Rica

Spain and Germany contest the standout World Cup game on Sunday, but three other matches across Groups E and F promise to be fascinating too - here are Greg Lea’s thoughts.

Japan v Costa Rica

Kick-off: 10am Sunday

Japan delivered the second big shock of World Cup 2022 on Wednesday as Hajime Moriyasu’s men came from a goal down to beat Germany 2-1. That victory has put the Samurai Blue on the brink of the knockout phase: another win this weekend would send them through if Germany fail to beat Spain.

This will be a different type of game for Japan. Against Germany they played predominantly on the counter-attack, with Moriyasu’s second-half substitutions providing speed and spark on the break. This time, they will have more of the ball. That is something Japan are used to as they tend to dominate possession in Asian qualification.

Costa Rica were thrashed 7-0 by Spain on matchday one, which leaves them on the brink of elimination already. Los Ticos would not have expected to beat Luis Enrique’s star-studded side, but the nature of their defeat will have severely damaged confidence within the camp. This should be a relatively straightforward assignment for Japan.

Prediction: Japan to win to nil @ 2.14

Belgium v Morocco

Kick-off: 1pm Sunday

Belgium won their opening game, but their performance was not particularly convincing. Canada were the better team in Wednesday’s match, as their speed, energy and dynamism caused problems for an ageing Belgium backline.

Roberto Martinez’s men were slow and sluggish in comparison to their North American opponents, and they had Thibaut Courtois’ shot-stopping and Canada’s profligacy to thank for their clean sheet. If Belgium are to go deep in this tournament, they will need to turn in much-improved displays going forward.

Meanwhile, there were positives for Morocco to take from their goalless draw with Croatia. They were sharper and brighter than their opponents, while the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech showed flashes of their quality even though Croatia had more of the ball.

Despite Belgium’s mediocre showing against the Canadians, they are generously priced to win this match. Even if they do not play well, Belgium has the star power to beat Morocco on Sunday.

Prediction: Belgium to win @ 2.04

Croatia v Canada

Kick-off: 4pm Sunday

As previously mentioned, Croatia were held to a 0-0 draw by Morocco on matchday one. The runners-up four years ago looked leggy and laboured for much of the match, as they struggled to penetrate their opponents’ disciplined off-the-ball shape. There were few chances at either end, but it was a better result for the underdogs of Morocco than favourites Croatia.

Canada would have been hugely pleased with their display against Belgium, but a 1-0 defeat leaves them under pressure heading into Sunday’s showdown at the Khalifa International Stadium. Canada were the better team, but the lack of a clinical edge inside the penalty area proved costly as Belgium scored with one of the rare chances that they created.

Canada are now in a precarious position in Group F, so they will be keen to keep things tight early on in this game. Given that Croatia found it difficult to fashion clear-cut opportunities against Morocco, it might take a while for the match to spring into life.

Prediction: Draw at half-time @ 2.04

Sunday World Cup 2022 Tips

Japan v Costa Rica: Japan to win to nil @ 2.14
Belgium v Morocco: Belgium to win @ 2.04
Croatia v Canada: Draw at half-time @ 2.04