Japan vs Costa Rica Highlights | Japan inch closer to the RO16 with a 2-0 win over Costa Rica

Japan has continued their impressive start to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 with a strong win over Costa Rica in Dunedin. Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino scored goals that made the difference in a match where the Nadeshiko team showed the same speed and smooth passing that had impressed in their opening match against Zambia. Both goals were scored within a few minutes in the first half, although there were signs of their dominance from the beginning of the game. Read about the best moments of the Japan vs Costa Rica match in our LIVE blog below the match report.

First-half | Japan vs Costa Rica

Japan looked threatening from the whistle with Aoba Fujino, Hikaru Naomoto, and Mina Tanaka forming a great partnership in the Costa Rican defensive half. Daniela Solera was in action within the first ten minutes as Mina Tanaka's header was a sign of everything that was coming for them. In the 24th minute, Japan broke through for the first time with a little help from Maria Paula Coto. Hikaru Naomoto took advantage of Coto's slip on the ground and sent the ball past Solera for the first goal of the match. Mina Tinaka with the assist to Naomoto.

Read Also: Spain vs Zambia FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: LIVE Blog, scores, updates, and everything

Two minutes later, Japan again found the net. This time it was Aoba Fujino, the teenager with the goal. Aoba, aged 19 years and 180 days became the first Japanese teenager to score in the Women's World Cup. Aoba created an impossible angle from the right of the box to send the ball past the goalie right into the bottom corner of the goal. Costa Rica failed to shoot a single ball on target throughout the first half as Japan looked fairly comfortable with their attacks.

Second half | Japan vs Costa Rica

Japan substituted a few players in the second half to keep them fresh for the next game and the upcoming round of 16 games. The intent was a bit down as compared to the first half. However, it must be admitted that, just like the game against Spain. Costa Rica found some defensive rhythm in the second half. Hinata Miyazawa and Riko Ueki tried to form some attacks but failed to go past Solera every time. Costa Rica's only shot on target came through Gloriana Villalobos as she and teenager Sheika Scott played some great passes between them. Costa Rica's Women's World Cup journey is nearly over with another game against Zambia to go. Meanwhile, Japan nearly booked their place in the next stage with two back-to-back wins.

Hikaru Naomoto was adjudged the player of the match.

Japan vs Costa Rica | LIVE Blog

Match Details | Japan vs Costa Rica

Group: C

Date: 26/7/2023

Time: 10.30 am IST

Venue: Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand

LIVE SCORE| JAP 2-0 CRC

Stay tuned as we bring you live updates, expert analysis, and in-depth insights on the Japan vs Costa Rica Group C fixture, along with all the exciting action from the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

Lineups:

Japan: Ayaka Yamashita, Shiori Miyake, Suki Kumagai, Moeka Mianmi, Risa Shimizu, Yui Hasegawa, Hina Sugita, Honoka Hayashi, Aoba Fujino, Hikaru Naomoto, Mina Tanaka

Costa Rica: Daniela Solera, Gabriela GUILLEN, Mariana Benavides, Fabiola Villalobos, Maria Paula Coto, Maria Paula, Cristin Granados, Katherine Alvarado, Melissa Herrrera, Maria Paula Salas, Priscilla Chinchilla

1' | Kick off

Here WE GO!

7' | First chance for Mina Tanka

Mina Tanka misses a header from the centre of the box. Aoba Fujino with the cross following a corner.

12' | Brilliant save by Daniela Solera

Hikaru Naomoto's left-footed shot was on target this time. A good save by Daniela Solera.

15' | Another save by Solera

This time the shot was from Hikaru Naomoto from the left of the box. Japan looks threatening every time they go forward.

18' | Miss by Gabriela Guillen

A first of the shots from Costa Rica. Gabriela's right-footed shot goes left of the goal post.

24' | Goal | Japan 1-0 Costa Rica

Hikaru Naomoto scores the first goal of the day. Mina Tanaka's cross from the right to the left had found Naomoto. A slip from Costa Rican defender Maria Paula Coto helps Namoto have a clear shot at the goal from the left of the box. It is her third international goal.

27' | Goal | Japan 2-0 Costa Rica

What a goal from Aoba Fujino, the 19-year-old teenage sensation. Her second goal is for her country. She finds a difficult angle from the right of the box past Solera in the bottom right corner of the goal. She is now Japan's first-ever teenage goalscorer in World Cup at just 19 years and 180 days old.

37' | The combination of Tanaka-Naomoto-Fujino looks incredible

Nearly another goal for the Japanese. Tanaka's header could have gone right or left of Solera. Another great cross by Hikaru Naomoto.

41' | Just over the bar from Tinaka

Tinaka's right-footed bullet shot nearly went into the goal however it did not dip at the right time for the Japanese striker.

First Half: Japan 2-0 Costa Rica

A very comfortable first half for Japan, and a tough one for Costa Rica. Two goals in quick sensation from the Japanese team; one from Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino. Costa Rica will have to find some resistance in the second half and then look to disturb the Japanese defence as well. Japan, as of now, are on their way to the Round of 16.

46' | Change for Costa Rica

Gloriana Villalobos replaces Gabriela GUILLEN Guillen in the mid-field for Costa Rica.

50' | Solera with her 15th save of the tournament

Hasegawa with a left-footed shot from outside the box. A much easNealrier save for Solera who dives to her left to grab the ball.

58' | Doule change for Japan

Tanaka and Fujino are replaced by Riko Ueki and Hinata Miyazawa.

65' | Nearly an own goal for Costa Rica

Fabiola Villalobos nearly scored an own goal while trying to head away a long ball from Hina Sugita. Solera got injured after a collision with Ueki. Corner for Japan.

77' | Another save from Solera

Good team game from Japan. Riko Ueki's pass had found Hinata Miyazawa whose left-footed shot went straight into the hands of Solera.

80' | Attempt from Gloriana Villalobos

Shot on target from Gloriana Villalobos. Good passes between Sheika Scott and her. However, not good enough to score their first of this season's tournament.

89' | Lower in intent

Japan lacking intent in the last ten minutes of the game as Costa Rica claim some positions of the ball.

90+5' | Full time | Japan 2-0 Costa Rica

Two out of two for the Japanese team. They are now nearly through to the round of 16. Costa Rica are on the verge of elimination from the group stage. Japan looked lethal in the first half while Costa Rica made a comeback in the second half with their defensive game.