FIFA World Cup 2022: Here Are The Top Facts From Japan - Costa Rica Clash

FIFA World Cup 2022: Japan lost both their matches against CONCACAF sides at the World Cup, also losing to Jamaica in 1998 (2-1).

Anthony Contreras of Costa Rica is challenged by Daichi Kamada of Japan during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Japan and Costa Rica at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Source : Getty

An 81st-minute goal from Keysher Fuller helped Costa Rica beat Japan 1-0 in their FIFA World Cup tie to leave Group E on three points from two matches on Sunday.

Fuller took advantage of a defensive error and fired a shot into the net from 18 meters that skimmed the top of Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda's fingers.

The match at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium was dull for the most part, especially in the first half which saw not a single shot on goal. In comparison, the second half was slightly better, with Japan continuing to dominate until Costa Rica took the lead.

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas saved several quick shots in the final minutes to keep the lead.

Japan will play its last Group E match against Spain, while Costa Rica will face Germany.

Japan could have reached the knockout stage with a win in this match. They had upset Germany by defeating them 2–1 in the opening match.

Costa Rica suffered a 0-7 loss to Spain in the first match and the team is trying to stay in the tournament.

Here Are The Facts About Japan - Costa Rica Clash

Costa Rica have beaten Japan for the first time in all competitions (D1 L3), while they’ve won both their encounters against Asian teams at the World Cup (also beat China 2-0 in 2002)

1. Japan lost both their matches against CONCACAF sides at the World Cup, also losing to Jamaica in 1998 (2-1).

2. Costa Rica became the first team to concede seven goals in a game, then win their next match at the World Cup since Paraguay in 1958 (lost 7-3 to France, won 3-2 against Scotland).

3. Japan have lost three of their last four World Cup matches (W1), as many as in their previous nine games at the tournament (W3 D3).

4. Keysher Fuller scored from Costa Rica’s very first shot on target at this World Cup, after more than 184 minutes of football played (including added time).

5. Japan had 13 shots against Costa Rica, only once previously have they attempted more efforts on goal without scoring in a World Cup match (18 against Greece in 2014, 0-0).

6. At 30y 318d, Costa Rica’s starting XI against Tunisia was the oldest at this World Cup so far.