World Cup Group E is set for a huge final after Costa Rica inflicted a shock 1-0 defeat on Japan in Qatar.
After the Asian nation stunned Germany with a 2-1 win in their opener, they followed it up with a boring display against the Central Americans – and were punished for it.
Costa Rica were beaten 7-0 by Spain in their opener, causing many to fear they could find themselves in yet another loss to a versatile Japanese side.
An overall poor game took place with few chances at either end as they drew each other off.
Unfortunately for Japan, it was a mistake that allowed the winning goal.
Maya Yoshida’s poor lobbed clearance was not dealt with by Hidemasa Morita, leaving Yeltsin Tejeda to find a Keysher Fuller at his side.
And the right-back curled the ball past Shuichi Gonda, who was terribly positioned and could only pat on the goal-bound strike.
“Exceptional,” said talkSPORT co-commentator Alvin Martin. “Absolutely outstanding. We had no idea it was going to be a finish like that. It’s a hell of a finish.
One man who disagreed with that statement was former Liverpool star Takumi Minamino, who had yet to enter the pitch in the game.
He was spotted on the touchline, waiting to come on, shouting “f***” after watching his team concede the winning goal.
It’s a blow to Japan’s chances of qualifying for the Round of 16 with their last match against Spain.
They will have to hope their next opponents secure a win against Germany tonight – live on talkSPORT – before getting a result themselves in the final match.
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