Japan taste defeat against Costa Rica

Costa Rica bounced back from defeat as they beat Japan by 1-0 in their second group-stage match of the World Cup at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium on Sunday.

Keysher fuller’s only goal in the 81st minute of the match helped Los Ticos earn all three points and climbed up to the third position in Group E. 

It was Costa Rica's first shot on target in the Qatar World Cup resulting in a winning goal!! After Japan lost the ball, Fuller received it from Yeltsin Tejeda on the brink of the box, then coolly curled the ball into the back of the net via Shuichi Gonda's outstretched fingertips.

A remarkable change of fortunes for both nations sees Costa Rica - thrashed by Spain in their opener - turn over Germany's conquerors Japan; scoring the winning goal late on, via their first shot on target of the tournament. 

After an admirable defensive display, Los Ticos made the most of an ineffective Japanese attack to absorb some second-half pressure and strike on the counter.

After showing such character to bounce back from a seven-goal shellacking, Costa Rica can now dream of a place in the knockout phase and will still be in contention when they tackle Germany on Thursday. 

A frustrated Japan, meanwhile, will watch on as a seismic encounter between European heavyweights Spain and Germany takes place later today - they've missed a golden chance to seal a last-16 spot.