Costa Rica kept their aspirations of making their first appearance in the knockout stages of a World Cup since 2014 alive following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Japan at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.Hoping to register back-to-back victories at the World Cup tournament 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.Javi Martinez: Germany is like Real MadridAfter 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 embers 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 WC knockouts.COSTA RICA UPSET THE ODDS 🇨🇷♻️ pic.twitter.com/QZzudwtGoz— 433 (@433) November 27, 2022 QATAR 2022 WORLD CUPGROUP ESundayJapan – Costa Rica 0-1 (0-0)/Fuller 81/22:00: (2.50) Spain (3.35) Germany (2.80)***odds are subject to change***
