The match
After mixed fortunes in their opening fixtures, Japan and Costa Rica are set for a vital clash at Dunedin Stadium. Following a tense start, Japan eventually swept aside Zambia 5-0, with Hinata Miyazawa the architect of the victory. It was a welcome three points for the Nadeshiko, who have lofty aspirations for the tournament.
Costa Rica, meanwhile, must bounce back quickly from a chastening 3-0 loss at the hands of an impressive Spanish side, who had no fewer than 46 shots. All that leads to this being a high stakes encounter for both sides. Will Japan prove too strong for Costa Rica and potentially advance or can Las Ticas snatch a win to keep their Women’s World Cup dreams alive and really open up Group C?
Team news
In Costa Rica’s opening match, Amelia Valverde went for a 3-4-3 formation against Spain, with a mix of inexperienced and more seasoned players. Despite the Spanish onslaught, the Central Americans managed to keep them scoreless in the second half and their game plan is again expected to centre on fast counter-attacks in the hope of securing a lead to defend.
For Japan, major question marks remain over the fitness of forward Maika Hamano. Nursing a shoulder injury, she has trained away from the main squad and was an unused substitute in the Zambia game. One positive for coach Futoshi Ikeda, who also went with 3-4-3 for the opener, was the link-up play between Miyazawa, Aoba Fujino and striker Mina Tanaka, and the wealth of scoring chances created. With a potentially decisive match against Spain to follow, all eyes will be on his squad selection.
Players to watch
Gloriana Villalobos (Costa Rica) A tireless runner, with bags of talent and personality, Villalobos won a bronze medal at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima and carries much of the hopes of Valverde’s team. Now 23 and wearing the iconic No.10 jersey, she remains at the heart of the side’s attacking ambitions. She was named in Costa Rica’s Women’s World Cup squad at Canada 2015 when she was just 15 years old. She did not play in the tournament, however.
Hinata Miyazawa (Japan) Miyazawa was one of the standouts in Japan’s opening match against Zambia, where she orchestrated the midfield with silky-smooth link-up play, set up multiple scoring chances and helped herself to a brace of her own. At her first Women’s World Cup, Miyazawa appears intent on seizing her chance to make her mark on the biggest stage.
Facts and figures
-
Now 36th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, Costa Rica managed to secure their second Women’s World Cup appearance thanks to a respectable fourth-place finish at the 2022 Concacaf W Championship.
-
Japan’s Saki Kumagai became one of only eight players in history to play in the Women’s World Cup 12 years after winning the trophy.
Quotes
“Obviously, we let ourselves down in the first game. We lost focus as a team and let in three goals. Spain and their players had free rein to play their normal game and we must congratulate them on the victory. That said, the players always give it their all and, however disappointing it was, we have to put it aside now and concentrate on the upcoming match.” Amelia Valverde, Costa Rica coach
“When Zambia’s defensive line started pushing a bit higher up the pitch, Aoba (Fujino) managed to play me in behind them with a great ball, which I slotted in. I was over the moon. But for me, the real tournament starts now. We have a crucial game coming up in just three days’ time – I hope the team will prepare and be ready.” Hinata Miyazawa, Japan midfielder
fifa.com
