Costa Rica rebound from drubbing to stun Japan

COSTA Rica put a huge dent in Japan’s hopes of reaching the World Cup last 16 when they rebounded from their 7- 0 hammering by Spain to claim a surprise 1- 0 victory in Group E yesterday, reports Reuters.

The door was ajar for Japan to seal their place in the knockout round after their historic opening win over Germany on the same day as Costa Rica’s collapse. But Keysher Fuller’s curling 81st- minute effort, Costa Rica’s first shot on target in the tournament, rocked Japan and put their hopes of progression in peril.

When Fuller’s left- footer crept into the top of the net despite Japan keeper Shuichi Gonda’s doomed attempt to keep it out, Costa Rica’s players and fans erupted in delirium.

There may also have been cheers of relief in the Germany camp because a Japan win would have put them under intense pressure to beat Spain in yesterday’s later game.