Costa Rica stun Japan 1-0 as Fuller scores only goal in Group F match; keep WC 2022 campaign alive

By
Jehan Mucadum
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Costa Rica 1-0 Japan: Keysher Fuller is the match-winner as Costa Rica stun Japan 1-0 in their Group E match on Sunday at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.

The 28-year-old defender curled a teasing effort past Gonda to keep Costa Rica’s World Cup 2022 campaign alive as they picked up their first points.

FIRST HALF

It was an uneventful first half with neither side looking in good touch. Japan was not able to spring in good passes and settle themselves while Costa Rica lacked a threat further up.

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Both sides defended well and it was a lackluster performance as neither side managed a shot on target and proved to be a grim spectacle.

Japan and Costa Rica did not do much up top as both teams reached half time goalless.

SECOND HALF

Japan began the half with more confidence as within seconds, they had Keylor Navas tested from Morita from the edge of the box.

Asano had a chance of his own in the 48th minute as well but his weak header did not test the Costa Rica keeper.

The Samurai Blue was not being their usual self and despite having the ball for longer, lacked the composure required.

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Costa Rica took advantage and finally broke the deadlock after a decent spell of possession when Fuller curled past Gonda’s outstretched fingertips for 1-0.

This was Costa’s first shot on target in the entire World Cup (171 minutes) which gave them the lead.

Japan felt the pressure and tried to find their equalizer as Kamada’s firm low shot was blocked by Oviedo. Costa Rica continued their defensive display with more vigor following their 1-0 lead.

It was not enough as Costa Rica held on for a massive three points to keep their WC 2022 campaign alive.

With this result, Costa Rica got their first points of the group and Japan as well have 3 points.


       

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