Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Costa Rica 1-3 Japan : Japan warm up for World Cup with Costa Rica victory

England's World Cup rivals Costa Rica warmed up for the tournament with a 3-1 defeat to Japan in Tampa, Florida.

Both teams had chances early on with Shinji Kagawa going close for the Japanese, but it was former Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz who put Costa Rica ahead just after the half-hour mark.

The playmaker managed to escape the defence's attention at the back post to tap home after good work from Christian Bolanos.

However, Yasuhito Endo got his side back into it on the hour mark when Keisuke Honda was released with a long ball over the top before finding his teammate with a smart cutback.

Manchester United star Kagawa then gave the Japanese the lead 10 minutes from time when he steered a shot beyond Keylor Navas in the Costa Rican goal.

As the game edged into injury time Yoichiro Kakitani put the gloss on the result when he capitalised on a poor clearance to slot home.

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