The former world champions Japan’s footballers have taken a giant step towards the round of 16 at the World Cup.
The selection of national coach Futoshi Ikeda won 2-0 (2-0) against Costa Rica in Dunedin, New Zealand and leads Group C with six points after two games. The 2011 title holders won the first group game against outsiders Zambia 5-0.
Former Freiburg player Hikaru Naomoto (25th minute) and Aoba Fujino (27th) scored for Japan in front of 6992 spectators. Costa Rica is about to be eliminated from the World Cup. Already in the later game of tournament favorites Spain against Zambia, the decision on progression in the group could be made. Costa Rica lost their own game against the Spaniards 3-0. Next Monday (9:00 a.m. CEST/ZDF) Japan meets Spain.
