They call that a smash and grab! Costa Rica keep World Cup dream alive with unlikely victory over uninspiring Japan
- Costa Rica scored with first shot on target of tournament
- Japan failed to capitalise on Germany win
- Group E now has three teams on three points
TELL ME MORE: The game followed the same pattern as many of the other matches so far in this World Cup. Neither team created many clear-cut chances but a second-half strike from Keysher Fuller was enough to give Costa Rica a shock win.
THE MVP: After their 7-0 thumping from Spain, not many would have expected Costa Rica to keep a clean sheet, let alone win. Their success is mainly down to Kendall Waston. The six-foot-five-inch centre-back smashed everything that came near him as far away from his goal as possible, being a vital part of his side picking up three points.
THE BIG LOSER: It may be cliche, but Japanese goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda really should have done better with Fuller's effort. He was cruising to a very easy afternoon but failed to deal with Costa Rica's only shot on target of the whole competition.
MATCH IN A PHOTO:
Agony vs ecstasy as Japan miss out on taking themselves to the brink of qualification for the knockout stages...
AS IT STANDS:
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +7 | 3 |
| Japan | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Costa Rica | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -6 | 3 |
| Germany | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
WHAT NEXT FOR JAPAN? Japan face Spain next in their final group game of this year's competition. Costa Rica, meanwhile, take on Germany.
MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐