FIFA World Cup: Fuller's late goal helps Costa Rica beat Japan 1-0

Keysher Fuller scored in the 81st minute to lift Costa Rica to a 1-0 victory over Japan on Sunday (November 27), leaving both teams with three points after two games in Group E of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Fuller took advantage of a defensive error when Japan failed to clear. He hit the net from 18 metres just off the fingertips of leaping Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda.

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The match at Ahmad Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan was tactical and largely lacklustre, particularly in the first half that did not yield a single shot on goal.

The second half was slightly better with Japan pressing throughout until Costa Rica broke through.

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Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas came up with several rapid-fire saves in the final minutes to save the victory.

Japan has one Group E game remaining with Spain, and Costa Rica faces Germany in its final group match. With a victory, Japan could have all but wrapped up a place in the knockout stage after a 2-1 upset of Germany in its opener.

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Costa Rica was pounded by Spain 7-0 in its first game and just trying to survive.

(With agency inputs)