Japan, on a high from a 2-1 victory over the mighty Germans in their first match, faltered in the match against Costa Rica on Sunday, to find themselves in some trouble as they next face Spain, a match they cannot afford to lose.
Let’s get some 🇯🇵🆚🇨🇷 predictions in!
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 27, 2022
Japan was the more aggressive side of the day, with their defence line playing high up.
Costa Rica, which had been humiliated after losing by 7-0 against Spain, was prepared to let Japan come to them. Their defence stood deep and they were content to let the Japanese players come on to them.
Japan got some great opportunity in the second half when they got free kick just outside the box. But in the first instance at around the 64th minute, Namo hit it high over the wall and post. In the second instance at around the 70th minute, Kamada hit the freekick straight to the wall.
⚪️🔴 pic.twitter.com/bNeIbUoYHZ
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 27, 2022
With possible chance of qualification, Japan was searching for an outright vicotry and substituted a defender to bring in extra midfielders.
In the 81st minute, Japan made an error giving away the ball and in the subsequent build up, Costa Rica scored the all important goal with Costa Rica’s first shot on target in this world cup.
Fuller received the ball just inside the D-box, and then shot a beautiful flighted shot just over the Japanese keeper Gonda.
Costa Rica beat Japan 1-0 with their only shot on target in the World Cup so far 😲 pic.twitter.com/P7O32NLrCY
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 27, 2022
Costa Rica beat Japan for the first time in five meetings.
In the other match between Germany and Spain, Germany salvaged a draw to keep their hopes of progressing to the knock-out stages alive. A defeat could have almost signalled Germany’s exit while confirming Spain’s progress to the next round.
Germany, coming from a defeat against Japan, changed their formation to counter the Spainish playing style.
Spain’s Olmo nearly scored in the 7th minute from a powerful shot from outside the penalty box, which was awkwardly handled by German keeper Neuer. Fortunately, Neuer got enough to push the ball out.
German defender Rudiger headed in a cross in the 39th minute from a Kimmich freekick to set off a wild celebration but Rudiger was offside and the goal disallowed.
Spain, as usual, dominated possession, but a pressing German play dented most of their attacks to the German goal.
The first half ended goalless.
In the second half, Germany nearly took the lead but a Kimmich attempt to the right was saved by Spain keeper Simon.
The deadlock was broken in the 62nd minute when Jordi Alba sent a low pass to the near post and Alvaro Morata was there to turn it into the net from close range.
In the 83rd minute, Germany scored the equlaiser when Fullkrug collected a ball from Jamal Masiala and sent in a powerful shot from close range to the net.
Niclas Fullkrug keeps Germany in it! 🇩🇪#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/uEPGpYahM8
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 27, 2022
The match ended in a draw, bringing back Germany into contention for the knock out rounds.
All four team continue to be in contention for the knock-out stages. However, Germany is in a must win situation against Costa Rica to be in the equation.
