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Japan, which staged a surprise defeat of Germany, was caught in Costa Rica, which was considered the weakest in the group.

Japan, which recorded 1 win and 1 loss, is not confident of advancing to the round of 16 as it has its last match against strong Spain.



Reporter Bae Jeong-hoon reports from Qatar.



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While Japanese fans cheered passionately, reminiscent of their home game, Japan changed their starting lineup by five players from the first game and faced Costa Rica.



However, in the first half, I couldn't create a chance because my hands and feet didn't match, and in the second half, I couldn't finish it even though I pushed one-sidedly.



Morita's powerful mid-range shot was blocked by Costa Rica's Navas goalkeeper, and two crucial free kick opportunities failed to turn into shots on target.



On the other hand, Costa Rica didn't miss a single chance.



In the 36th minute of the second half, from an opportunity started by Japan's defensive mistake, Fuller's left foot kicked the ball past Japan's Gonda goalkeeper's hand and shook the net.



Fuller, who scored the team's only shot on target, cheered enthusiastically.



Costa Rica won 1-0 with Navas goalkeeper again making a decisive save at the last minute.



In the first game, they gave up 7 goals to Spain and shook off the pain of a crushing defeat and rekindled the fire to advance to the round of 16.



Costa Rican fans rejoiced as they sang along to the Japanese cheering song.



[Fuller/Costa Rica soccer team defender: We never stopped believing that we could do it through the group stage.

And he extended that belief to all Costa Ricans.]



Japan, with 1 win and 1 loss, will play the final match against Spain, ranked 7th in the FIFA rankings, which is considered the strongest in Group E.



As Japan suffered a disappointing defeat after a miraculous victory, the competition to advance to the round of 16 in Group E, called the group of death, became more heated.