Hoping to register back-to-back victories at a FIFA World Cup finals for the first time since 2002, Japan did not let the soaring temperatures in Al Rayyan affect their opening attacking endeavours. On the back of their heaviest defeat at a World Cup, after succumbing to a scintillating seven-goal Spanish spectacle only four days ago, Costa Rica began the contest more encouragingly than in their opening Group E encounter.
After coming from behind to stun Germany, Japan struggled to produce a repeat performance of their historic victory, as referee Michael Oliver found himself the busiest man on the pitch throughout a goal-shy opening 45 minutes.
In pursuit of continuing their prolific head-to-head goalscoring record, after finding the back of the net on at least three occasions in four of their last five matches, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu rolled the substitutional dice at the start of the second half by introducing Hiroki Ito and Takuma Asano into the fray.
Searching for their first victory in eight World Cup matches, Costa Rica were left indebted to Keylor Navas within the opening moments of the second half as the veteran goalkeeper prevented Hidemasa Morita’s fearsome strike from nestling into the top corner.
Having failed to find the back of the net in five of their last seven World Cup matches Luis Fernando Suárez tasked substitutes Brandon Aguilera and Jewison Bennette with reigniting Los Ticos’ so far less-than-impressive attacking capabilities. With the contest heading for a draw, Keysher Fuller blew Group E wide open in the 81st minute as the defender’s strike somehow found a way past an outstretched Shūichi Gonda.
Victory moves Costa Rica level on points with Japan, as Los Ticos face four-time World Cup winners Germany in their final Group E encounter, needing at least a point, whilst hoping Spain can overcome the Samurai Blues.
Meanwhile, a disappointing defeat for Japan leaves Moriyasu’s side likely needing a result against La Furia Roja to stand any chance of securing their first-ever consecutive appearances in the World Cup knockouts.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Keysher Fuller (Costa Rica)
