Japan continued their fine start at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after beating Costa Rica 3-0 in their second game played at the Forsyth Bar Stadium in Dunedin.

The Japanese ultimately became the first team to seal a spot in the next stage of this year’s competition and also the team that effectively kicked out Costa Rica after the North Americans lost their first game to Spain.

Two goals in the space of two minutes gave them a healthy advantage goiing into the break. Hikaru Naomoto got the opener for Japan after just 25 minutes before Aobs Fujimo’s solo effort made it two for the Asians two minutes later.

The Costa Rican like in their first game were not able to muster a single shot on target in the competition so far and as at the half time break.

Much like they did in the first half, Japan were the better side but despite all their positive endeavors, they couldn’t add to the two goals they scored in the first half. One positive for the Costa Rican is that they did not end their second game without a shot on target as they managed one.