Costa Rica revived its 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Japan, with the goal coming from Keysher Fuller, at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
Japan were still buzzing after their shock 2-1 win over Germany as they came out the stronger of the two sides, putting Costa Rica under pressure as they controlled the game in the first half.
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However, the South Americans looked solid defensively after their 7-0 thrashing by Spain, keeping the Asians contained in the contest.
But Costa Rica then made Japan pay for not capitalising on their chances in the 81st minute, as defender Keysher Fuller curled a beautiful shot past goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda to give his side the lead.
Japan tried to find its way back into the match after conceding, but couldn’t find a way to breakdown Costa Rica’s defence as the game finished 1-0 in favour of the South Americans.
The late winner blew Group E wide open with Costa Rica and Japan level on points (3) with Spain, who face Germany later in the day.
Costa Rica will play Germany in the last game of Group E, while Japan will face a huge test against Spain.
Defeat could have sent Costa Rica home but Keysher Fuller keeps their #FIFAWorldCup campaign alive!
⚽️ Goal scorer, match-winner and your @Budweiser Player of the Match.
🇯🇵 #JPNCRC 🇨🇷 @Budfootball #YoursToTake #BudweiserWorldCup pic.twitter.com/OLOIzv1QG3
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 27, 2022
