FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Japan Beats Costa Rica 2-0, Seals Last 16 Spot

On Wednesday, Japan defeated Costa Rica 2-0 in the Women's World Cup. Goals from Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino came within two minutes of each other in the first half.

Dunedin's match attendance of 6,992 was the lowest of the entire tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

If Spain beats or ties Zambia, the Japanese will advance from Group C and into the knockout stages, as the Japanese already won their initial game against Zambia by a score of 5-0.

Japan, who won the World Cup in 2011, has a flawless record in the group stage, having scored six goals and conceded none.

Later on Wednesday, Spain will face Zambia, the lowest-ranked team in the World Cup.

After being thoroughly defeated 3-0 by Spain, Costa Rica was stunned once again in the first half when the Japanese scored twice in quick succession.

When compared to the other teams, Costa Rica has been completely outclassed.

Gloriana Villalobos, on as a substitute with nine minutes left scored the team's first and only goal of the World Cup.

Naomoto gave Japan the lead in the 25th minute, and they doubled their advantage shortly after when they again breached the porous Costa Rican defense.

Fujino, 19, feinted past her defender, dribbled into the box, and fired a shot that went in off the near post.

Daniela Solera, the Costa Rican custodian, had another busy night between the posts, although she should have done better with both goals and kept the score lower.

After colliding in midair with Japan's substitute Riko Ueki while going for a cross with 25 minutes remaining, the shot-stopper was visibly shaken.

Japan's seven goals so far are a record for them in the World Cup group stages, and that's with their last pool encounter against Spain yet to come on Monday.