Key occasions
28 minutes: It seems like we won’t have a drinks break, which implies no espresso for me. I’ve a toddler, I’ve been up a very long time and there hasn’t been a shot on course on this match! I NEED COFFEE.
26 minutes: Campbell is doing his greatest to carry the ball for Costa Rica as a result of they’re beneath quite a lot of strain. The former Arsenal man is just 30, I assumed he was about 35. He is at the moment plying his commerce in Mexico.
24 minutes: I say that after which Contreras takes the ball into the field at tempo however can’t sluggish himself down, leading to a really weak cross whereas off-balance which is whacked clear.
22 minutes: Costa Rica haven’t made it out of their have for some time. Japan are definitely on high and I’m assured they are going to put on down these in crimson.
20 minutes: Japan are clicking and play a few harmful passes into the field however miscontrol and the alertness of Navas guarantee they don’t trigger Costa Rica too many issues.
18 minutes: Both groups are a good distance from their opening fixture; Japan look a contact disjointed, whereas Costa Rica are loads with loads of dedication. Neither of those components are making this right into a cracking match.
Japan put collectively a great transfer, looking for the area contained in the field in opposition to a Costa Rica aspect which can be enjoying very deeply. The assaults ends with a cross being chipped out of play.
16 minutes: There are loads of crimson seats on the decrease ranges across the pitch. It actually does take away from the spectacle.
14 minutes: Doan finds area contained in the field and flashes a cracking cross alongside the six-yard field however there isn’t a one there in a blue shirt to faucet residence. It appears to have awoken the gang, at the very least.
12 minutes: I’m wondering if the warmth is making the sport a contact sluggish in the intervening time. I’m primarily trying ahead to a rehydration break so I can go make a espresso. Come on, Mr Oliver, make it occur.
10 minutes: Not a lot is definitely taking place. There just isn’t at the moment a lot tempo or movement to the sport.
8 minutes: Japan the extra affected person of their early method, passing it round calmly earlier than making an attempt to select a spot. Costa Rica look eager to be as direct as attainable.
6 minutes: Contreras goes down holding his ankle after a misjudged problem from Yamane. Moments later Campbell geese and darts between two Japanese defenders however is caught on his thigh to earn a free-kick. Once once more, the supply is poor.
4 minutes: The 5 adjustments Japan have made provides them a freshness after their win over Germany. They look eager to play on the entrance foot.
Costa Rica get the possibility to ship a free-kick into the field however it’s simply cleared.
2 minutes: Oh how I detest the countdown to kick-off.
Japan are displaying their intent and are utterly on high, already placing in a few harmful crosses from the left. A nook is available in from the left however is blocked by Borges’ again.
Kick off
Peep! Peep! Peep! Here we go!
The anthems are out of the best way. We are closing in on kick-off.
We may have cooling breaks throughout at present’s match, based on Clive Tyldesley. Could be a protracted previous match.
There are loads of empty seats contained in the stadium however that shouldn’t be a shock by this stage of the event.
Kubo, Tomiyasu, Mitoma and Minamino on the bench. That’s some respectable power in depth on supply to Japan.
Kári Tulinius emails: “Not to diminish Danny Mills brilliant long-range bomb against Everton, but surely his finest moment was playing in the Champions League semi-final against Valencia in 2001. Incidentally, there he faced Didier Deschamps in the latter’s last ever match. That said, the goal is probably his most remembered moment, and we’ll be lucky if today’s match is graced with its equal.”
ITV’s Angus Scott exhibits that’s attainable to attend 4 video games in a day in Doha. Good to see there are a number of positives at this World Cup.
The Costa Rican vacationer board are placing adverts out on TV. It does look much more inviting than a visit to Qatar.
I’d in all probability simply textual content her, mate.
What else is going on at present? Our World Cup briefing will let you know.
In the ITV studio is the Guardian’s very personal Karen Carney (wahey) and the Telegraph’s Joe Cole (booooooo).
When I consider early Sunday kick-offs, attending Manchester City v Everton in 2005 was my earliest begin time: 11.15 kick-off. Admittedly, I did see one of the best second of Danny Mills’ profession, so it was price it.
Starting lineups
Japan (4-2-3-1): Gonda; Yamane, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Endo, Morita; Doan, Kamada, Soma; Ueda
Costa Rica (4-2–2-2): Navas; Watson, Calvo, Duarte, Oviedo; Tejeda, Borges; Fuller, Torres; Campbell, Contreras
For these … Michael Oliver is the referee for at present’s large match.
Japan to make historical past?
The Costa Rican followers haven’t been subdued by their opening day 7-0 loss.
What do you consider when somebody mentions Costa Rican soccer? There is just one reply. Courtesy of Michael Butler.
Barney Ronay and Tom Jenkins went for a wander round Lusail. It appears fascinating …
Preamble
Japan shocked Germany within the opening recreation, whereas Costa Rica had been roundly thrashed 7-0 by Spain. There is unquestionably just one end result right here at present. Costa Rica beating Japan at this stage would arguably be a much bigger shock than what was dished out to the Germans.
By the tip of the day, Japan could possibly be into the knockout levels of the event and Germany plotting an early return residence to please their membership managers. Costa Rica, nevertheless, have some extent to show and won’t wish to succumb to a different bewildering defeat. They not often make it to this stage, so will wish to make some good recollections to go together with those that contain Gavi and Dani Olmo.
Japan completely deserved their victory final outing and can be eager to construct on that at present. Their squad is extremely gifted and they are going to be assured they will do the enterprise.
Let’s hope for a Sunday morning (UK time) cracker.
Kick-off: 10am GMT.
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