FIFA World Cup : Japan vs Costa Rica

 This was a match where all expectations were for Japan to steamroll over Costa Rica, especially after their first games, where Japan stunned title contender Germany 2-1 & Costa Rica were trounced 0-7 by Spain. 

In a remarkable change of fortunes, Central Americans, Costa Rica put up a brave defensive game to thwart a rather ineffective Japanese attack for the major part of the game & then score from their only shot at goal from a counter attack in the last 10 minutes to cause an upset & also brighten their own chances for the knockouts. Meanwhile, Japan missed on a golden opportunity to seal their spot in the last 16 & this they may well rue as the tournament rolls into next week for the last set of games in the group stages. Los Ticos Costa Rica had just about squeezed themselves into this stage with a playoff win against New Zealand, & then the drubbing in the hands of Spain left everyone feel that they were a spent force - however today's fighting display will surely give them hope, as they face  Germany in their last game. 

Meanwhile, Japan have themselves to blame, as Group E now is wide open to possibilities. Japan had their chances, but veteran keeper Keylor Navas, kept the Samurai forwards at bay, thwarting their efforts to score time & again. On the other side, around the 81st minute, from their only attempt at goal, Keysher Fuller managed to lob the ball past the Japanese keeper from inside the box past Gonda into the net. 

The next game, expected to be a humdinger later in the night between heavyweights Spain & Germany will be very crucial to decide on the contenders from this group for the round of 16.