It also depends on the country. Netherlands specifies a 90 degree join onto mid-downwind (from the outside of the circuit, not from the overhead) as the only way to join a circuit at an uncontrolled field - although sometimes straight-ins are also allowed.
To reach that point you have to fly the long way around or, if weather and airspace allows, fly well above the ATZ, overhead the field, to that point.
UK-style OHJs, or base/crosswind joins are not appreciated here.