Keysher Fuller’s objective made the distinction between the 2 sides.
Costa Rica have overwhelmed Japan 1-0 to maintain their hopes of qualification within the subsequent spherical of the World Cup alive.
Luis Fernando Suarez’s gamers spent most of Sunday’s sport on the backfoot however got here on high with right-back Keysher Fuller’s stunning roller within the 81st minute, their first and solely shot on course.
Japan, who entered Ahmad bin Ali Stadium stuffed with confidence after their win over Germany, lacked the leading edge to interrupt down a resolute Costa Rican defence.
The sport appeared headed for a dour stalemate however burst into life after Fuller’s late objective.
The end result throws Group E vast open. Costa Rica, who misplaced their opening sport 0-7 to Spain, are remarkably nonetheless within the combine to qualify for the following spherical.
A win on Sunday would have sealed Japan’s spot within the spherical of 16, however they may now have to get a end result of their final sport towards Spain to maintain their hopes of qualification alive.
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