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.

Football knows no gender, and the talented women are proving that with their breathtaking gameplay. The world of women's football is setting new standards which has made it difficult to pick the best ones.

Based on the current landscape of the sport, check out the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

10. Lauren James 

• National Team: England
• Club: Chelsea
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 65

Lauren James is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Chelsea in the WSL. She has won the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year award in 2022-23 for her exceptional skills at a young age.

She previously played for Arsenal and Manchester United and switched to Chelsea in 2021. She has scored a total of 58 goals in 155 appearances across all clubs.

Lauren plays a major role in the England women's team, having 7 international goals in 27 appearances for England.

Read Also | Chelsea Women sign Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee

9. Klara Bühl

• National Team: Germany
• Club: Bayern Munich
• Position: Forward 
• Goals: 92

Klara Bühl is a professional german player who plays as left winger or forward. She is 17 year old and is considered as one of the best young wingers in Europe.

She was a part of SC Freiburg for four years before joining FC Bayern Munich in 2020. Klara has scored 65 goals in 230 appearances for clubs, and 27 international goals in 65 appearances for Germany.

Read Also: 10 Best Women's Football Players and Leagues You Must Watch in 2025

8. Salma Paralluelo

• National Team: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 99

The Spanish left winger, Salma Paralluelo, is a born champion, with all three 3 World Cups to her name. She started her career as a sprinter and holds several records in the categories of under 16 and 18.

Salma won the FIFA Women's World Cup with the Spanish senior team in 2023, the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2020, and FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2018. She also won the U-17 UEFA U-17 Women's Championship in 2018.

Salma has scored 85 goals in 125 club appearances and 14 goals in 35 appearances for Spain.

Read Also | Sarina Wiegman dedicates Uefa Women's Coach of the Year award to Spain players

7. Linda Caicedo

• National Team: Colombia
• Club: Real Madrid 
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 46

Linda Caicedo is a Colombian footballer who has reached commendable milestones at a young age of 20. She plays as a forward for Real Madrid, and has been associated with football legends like Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman for commercial ad campaigns.

She played for América Cali and Deportivo Cali before joining Real Madrid, and scored a total of 33 goals in 92 appearances across all of them.

Linda has scored 13 goals to her name in 42 appearances for Colombia.

#FU17WWC Bronze Boot🥾 & Silver Ball ⚽ winner Linda Caicedo makes her senior #FIFAWWC debut 🫡

How many goals will the Colombian star score in the #FIFAWomensWorldCup?#SeleccionFemenina#SelecciónColombiaFemenina#CopaMundialFemenino #COLKOR pic.twitter.com/CLsz1MnaPY

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 25, 2023

6. Alessia Russo

• National Team: England
• Club: Arsenal
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 87

Alessia Russo is a professional footballer who plays for England and the WSL club Arsenal as a forward. She has exceptional records, including being awarded the player of the month and goal of the month for Arsenal.

Alessia is known for her aggressive gameplay and match-winning abilities. She played for other clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United before, and was also the top scorer twice.

Her club goals count to 66 in 138 appearances across all clubs and 21 in 49 appearances for England.

Read Also: Football Facts: Top 10 Players With Most Goal Contributions In A Season Since 2000

5. Khadija Shaw

• National Team: Jamaica
• Club: Manchester City 
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 182

The all-time top scorer, Khadija Shaw, is one of the world's best strikers from Jamaica, who also plays as a forward for Manchester City.

Khadija holds the record for the most hat-tricks in the history of the Women's Super League. She scored 125 goals in her 144 club appearances and 57 goals in 44 appearances for Jamaica!

She was named The Guardian Footballer of the Year in 2018 as a tribute to her legendary contributions in football.

4. Alexia Putellas

• National Team: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona 
• Position: Midfielder
• Goals: 260

Alexis Putellas is a Spanish midfielder or forward who currently plays for Barcelona. She is the captain of Barcelona and has won all the individual European football awards.

Alexis is widely appreciated for her style of play and aura. She has previously played for Espanyol and Levante, having a total of 226 goals in 515 appearances across all clubs. 

She scored 34 goals for the Spanish National Team in 130 appearances. Alexis also won Ballon d'Or Féminin for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022.

3. Caroline Graham Hansen

• National Team: Norway 
• Club: FC Barcelona 
• Position: Winger
• Goals: 225

Caroline Graham Hansen is a Norwegian footballer who is one of the best wingers in the world. She plays for Barcelona and has won prestigious awards like Statoil Talent Award of the Year and others.

Hansen has exceptional dribbling and passing skills, which never fail to amaze the fans. She played for other clubs like Stabæk and Wolfsburg and scored 180 goals in all 404 appearances.

Her goals count to 45 in 95 international caps for Norway.

Read Also: Players with the Most Hat-tricks in International football (Male and Female)

2. Sophia Smith

• National Team: USA
• Club: Portland Thorns
• Position: Forward 
• Goals: 74

Sophia Smith is an American footballer who plays as a forward for the team. She plays for the NWSL club Portland Thorns and was named the most valuable player for them, along with the Golden Boot, in 2022.

Sophia scored 3 goals in the Paris Olympics 2024 for the US National Team. She earned her national team cap in 2020 and became the youngest player to debut for the US Women's National Team.

She scored 50 goals in 95 appearances for Portland Thorns FC and 24 goals in 58 appearances for the USA. 

Her contributions in the world of football makes her way to the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

Sophia Smith scores in her #FIFAWWC debut!

📰 LIVE Blog #USAVIE : https://t.co/5a8pYXuIsb#FIFAWomensWorldCup #USA #USWNT pic.twitter.com/8ySA5VkuZp

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 22, 2023

1. Aitana Bonmatí 

• National Team: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona 
• Position: Midfielder
• Goals: 134

Aitana Bonmatí is a Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Barcelona. She is one of the greatest of all time in football history. Her elegant style of play is a treat to the eyes. 

The Spanish National team captain won the Ballon d'Or Féminin, Laureus World Sports Award, and Golden Player Woman Award for her incredible 2023 season for Spain and Barcelona. She is the first women's player to win The Best, Ballon d'Or, UEFA Player of the Year and World Cup Golden Ball in the same year

Bonmati was the Player of the tournament in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 as Spain lifted their maiden Women's World Cup title. 

She scored 104 goals in 289 appearances for Barcelona and 30 international goals for Spain.

📸 2023 Ballon d’Or winners - Lionel Messi & Aitana Bonmati

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.#ballondor #ballondor2023 #messi #lionelmessi #aitanabonmati #intermiami #fcbarcelona #barcelonafemenino pic.twitter.com/MfEPHpiAEs

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) October 31, 2023

Honorary Mention: Mary Earps

The legendary English goalkeeper, Mary Earps, is a name honorary mention for this list. She plays for PSG and is considered to have the safest pair of hands when it comes to football. Earps' legendary performance in the UEFA Euro 2022 will always be remembered in the history of English football, as they lifted the European Championship. 

Earps played for a total of 11 clubs, including Manchester United and became the first goalkeeper to reach 50 clean sheets in the WSL. 

Earps received the Golden Glove Award for her record-breaking 14 clean sheets in 2024 for Manchester United. She is a two-time FIFA Best and Golden Glove winner. 

Her iconic contributions deserves a special place in the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.

Already assured of the title before kickoff, the Red and Golds showcased their supremacy by defeating every team in the league en route to the championship, with all three goals coming in an explosive first half.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

The star of the show was Elshaddai Acheampong, who opened the scoring in the 27th minute. After missing earlier chances, including a header from five yards in the 19th minute, the Ghanaian forward made amends with a clinical finish, chipping the goalkeeper after a deft move past defenders following a pass from Anju Tamang.

Read Also | 10 Best Women's Football Players and Leagues You Must Watch in 2025

Her poacher’s instinct shone again in the 37th minute, tapping in a cross from Karthika Angamuthu at the back post to double the lead. Minutes before halftime, Soumya Guguloth sealed the rout in the 42nd minute, rounding the keeper to score after a perfectly timed through ball.

Read Also | Beatrice Chebet becomes the first woman to run 5km under 14 minutes in Barcelona

Despite the title already in hand, East Bengal displayed remarkable professionalism, dominating possession and stifling Gokulam from the outset. The second half saw Gokulam mount a brief challenge, testing goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu with a long-range effort, but the champions held firm. This win marked the only team East Bengal had yet to beat this season, completing a flawless campaign.

The victory underscored East Bengal’s dominance throughout the season, blending skill, composure, and relentless attacking play.

For Gokulam, the defeat highlighted their struggle against the league’s top side, as East Bengal celebrated a perfect end to their triumphant IWL 2024-25 journey.

USWNT Defender Naomi Girma has joined Chelsea Women for a world-record transfer fee for a female footballer. The Women's Super League leaders paid €1 million to San Diego Wave FC to secure the services of the 24-year-old defender.

Girma was officially presented on the pitch by the Women’s Super League champions before Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Arsenal Women at Stamford Bridge.

It's official. ✍️

Naomi Girma plays for Chelsea Football Club. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/hb7OMyhE06

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 26, 2025

Girma signs for Chelsea for a world-record fee

The world record for the highest transfer fees paid for a female footballer was held by Bay FC, who paid €685,000 for Racheal Kundananji in February 2024.

Chelsea has broken the transfer world record and also surpassed the British transfer signing record as well, previously held by Mayra Ramirez, who signed for Chelsea for a €384,000 transfer fee.

Girma has also become the first-ever €1M signing in women's football.

Chelsea Women gaffer Sonia Bompastor has made her first January 2025 signing with Girma as she will enter the team roster after Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan suffered an ACL tear injury in November 2024.

World-record signing Naomi Girma was presented at Stamford Bridge 🤩🔵 pic.twitter.com/vqT0XneC0C

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 26, 2025

Naomi Girma played an integral part in USWNT's Olympic Gold-winning campaign in Paris last year and was also named the US Soccer’s female player of the year in 2023. She was also named the NWSL Defender of the Year in 2022 and 2023.

However, Girma has signed a huge 4-year deal until 2029 as Chelsea head of women’s football Paul Green affirmed his confidence in this signing.

Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.

Girma also expressed her excitement about joining the Blues as she stated to BBC Sport:

I'm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn't feel real,

There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here - the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players.

It's a top environment to learn and grow in. Right now, that's what I'm looking to do.

Record transfers in women's football

East Bengal commenced their Indian Women's League (IWL) 2024-25 season with a commendable 2- 0 victory over Kickstart FC at the historic East Bengal Ground on 10th January 2025. Two brilliant goals scored by Sandhya Ranganathan and Resty Nanzary are enough to take three points for the Red and Gold brigade.

The home side's first goal materialized by another regular starter for India Soumya Guguloth played a crucial role in that goal. She delivered a ball from the right for Sulanjana Raul, whose header struck the crossbar. The rebound was found by Sandhya Ranganathan, who netted it with a beautiful header.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

Maintaining their momentum, East Bengal doubled their lead early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Ugandan recruit Resty Nanzari, made a beautiful run from the left side of the pitch and showcased her skill by delivering a precise low shot into the near post, and securing a goal. That was enough to start a season with a commendable victory for the home side.

Kickstart FC, originating from Bengaluru, attempted to penetrate East Bengal's defence but struggled to create promising opportunities in the attacking third. The host's defence was rock solid and effectively neutralized a clean sheet to start their IWL campaign on a positive note.

Read Also | Indumathi, Shilky, Shreya among the winners of IWL 2023-24 awards

The victory provided East Bengal with a solid foundation for positive progress in the IWL season, they were rock solid in defence and also offensively great. Conversely, Kickstart FC will aim to enhance their strategies in the upcoming matches to rebound from the initial setback. 

Debutant Lhingdeikim's four goals along with Simran Gurung's brace helped the Indian Women's Football team thrash Maldives by 11-1 in their FIFA Friendly match in Bangalore. Kajol Dsouza, Pooja, Sibani Devi, and Khumukcham Bhumika Devi were the other scorers for Blue Tigeress. 

After beating Bangladesh by 14-0 in their final match of 2024, the Indian Women's Football team started the 2025 on a great note with an emphatic win over the visitors, Maldives. 

India head coach Joakim Alexandersson made many changes to the team that played against Bangladesh which handed two debutants a chance in the starting XI. Lhingdeikim, who scored four goals (twice in both halves) and Shibani Devi, who last year featured for East Bengal FC in the Indian Women's League were among the changes Alexandersson.

Read Also | Indian Women's Football team crush Maldives 14-0 in FIFA Friendly

Ribansi Jamu, Thingbaijam Sanjita Devi, Juhi Singh, Monisha Singha, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi and Simran Gurung were the players who made their debut off the bench. 

Read Also | Exclusive: Here's how Football giving hope to "Mini-Brazil of India"

Maldives looked good in the early minutes which forced Linthoingambi Devi to make some saves but once the Indian team resolved the issue and found their pace, they were tough to resist.

Lhingdeikim started the onslaught for India with an early goal in the 12th minute before providing an assist for Kajol Dsouza to extend the lead three minutes later. She found the net again in the next minute after receiving a perfect ball from Sibani. In the 17th minute, Sangita Basfore's header was deflected into the goal by Maldives captain Hawwa Haneefa. 

However, right before the halfway mark, Maldives scored their only goal of the match as Mariyam Rifa found the net after a defensive error from the Indian team. 

But, India struck again before half-time with Pooja and Shibani scoring one each. At half-time, India were leading by 6-1 and it looked like we would have the scoreline just like the last match. 

Lhingdeikim started the second half by scoring from a beautiful assist by Pooja in the 56th minute. A minute later she scored her fourth goal of the match by flicking a ball with his right foot for a neat finish. This time, Kajol was the assist provider for her. 

Simran Gurung, who came off the bench at halftime, scored two goals in the 62nd and 68th minutes. A red card for Maeesha Abdul Hannan did not help the Maldives as well as the defender made a deliberate handball inside the penalty box. Bhumika Devi converted the penalty in the 71st minute to complete the riot. 

Scorecard | India vs Maldives | FIFA Friendlies (Women's)

Maldives 1 (Mariyam Rifa 27’)

India 11 (Lhingdeikim 12’, 16’, 56’, 59’, Kajol Dsouza 15’, Hawwa Haneefa 17’ o.g., Pooja 41’, Sibani Devi 45+1’, Simran Gurung 62’, 68’, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi 71’ p)