Japan 2-0 Costa Rica: Naomoto and Fujino on target

Japan’s impressive World Cup form continued as a convincing 2-0 victory over Costa Rica strengthened their Group C qualification bid.

First-half strikes from Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino saw the 2011 champions build on last week’s 5-0 opening game win over Zambia with a free-flowing show in Dunedin.

Japan played attractive football early on and a one-touch passing combination forged a golden chance for Risa Shimizu in the 15th minute at the back post. 

A mix-up with Fujino saw the ball trickle out of play but they did not have to wait long for their opening goal

When Naomoto was slipped through in the 25th minute, she powered a left-footed effort into the bottom corner.

Japan doubled their lead just two minutes later through the brilliant Fujino, whose persistence paid off when her driven strike caught goalkeeper Daniela Solera out at her near post.

Costa Rica struggled to create any chances throughout as Japan stifled them with the majority of possession in the second half and Hinata Miyazawa almost made it 3-0 in the 68th minute with a volleyed effort.

Manager Futoshi Ikeda substituted Japan’s big hitters late on as the Asian side slipped into second gear and cruised to victory ahead of their final Group C match against Spain on Monday.