AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Primarily written off after being battered by Spain, Keysher Fuller has modified every part for Costa Rica.Fuller took benefit of a defensive error and scored the one aim of the match to steer his group over Japan 1-0 Sunday on the World Cup. Each groups now have three factors after two matches and a superb likelihood to advance to the spherical of 16 from Group E.“We’re nonetheless alive,” stated Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suarez, a Colombian who additionally guided Ecuador and Honduras to World Cup berths. “We weren’t lifeless yesterday, and now we’re very a lot on this. The primary factor is we’re nonetheless alive. Nobody can neglect about us. We are able to nonetheless dream.”Fuller scored his aim within the 81st minute after Japan didn’t clear the ball. He hit the online from 18 meters (yards), with the shot getting in off the fingertips of leaping Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda.The match at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium was tactical and largely lackluster, notably in a primary half that didn’t yield a single shot on aim. Japan pressed all through the second half till Costa Rica broke by means of.Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas got here up with a number of saves in fast succession within the closing minutes to make sure the victory.Japan has one Group E recreation remaining in opposition to Spain, whereas Costa Rica faces Germany in its closing match. With a victory, Japan might have all however wrapped up a spot within the knockout stage after a 2-1 upset win over Germany in its opener. Costa Rica was pounded by Spain 7-0 in its first recreation and simply attempting to outlive.Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu stated Costa Rica’s “strong protection” prevented his group from attacking extra.“Within the first half we couldn’t actually develop any probabilities,” Moriyasu stated. “I consider to a sure diploma we have been taking part in OK, nevertheless the outcome was a disgrace.”The primary half might need been one of many dullest of a event that has already seen 5 0-0 attracts. Neither group had a shot on aim.Ritsu Doan, who scored considered one of Japan’s objectives within the 2-1 win over Germany, appeared essentially the most threatening early with runs down the best aspect seeking to lower in crosses. Costa Rica’s most menacing participant was Joel Campbell, attempting to make use of his pace on the left flank.“We had extra confidence with the ball than we had within the first recreation. We have been extra centered on protection and took benefit of our probabilities up entrance,” Campbell stated.There was extra motion within the first two minutes after the break than in all the first half. Hidemasa Morita examined Navas with a blistering shot within the first minute, and Takuma Asano compelled one other save a minute later.Japan, which is showing it its seventh straight World Cup, has reached the knockout stage on three events, dropping every time within the spherical of 16. Costa Rica reached the quarterfinals in Brazil in 2014.Japan continues to be profitable goodwill with its custom of cleansing up fan areas and participant dressing rooms after the match. This dates from Japan’s first look on the World Cup in 1998. This time, Japanese group officers arrived with 8,000 trash baggage with thanks greetings in Arabic, Japanese, and English.___
Costa Rica rallies to beat Japan 1-0 in Group E of World Cup
