Costa Rica stunned the footballing world to beat Japan 1-0 at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. After the victors lost 7-0 to Spain earlier in the week, it was highly expected that they would suffer another defeat to The Samurai Blue.

In contrast, Japan knew a victory would give them a possibility of securing qualification to the knockouts, depending on Germany's result to Spain. However, Costa Rica bided their time, and scored a sucker punch goal with just ten minutes remaining. 

It was a superb effort from Keysher Fuller, but it left the Japanese players visibly disheartened. It leaves  both sides on three points, meaning it is all to play for in Group E.

So, what di we learn from Costa Rica's crucial win over Japan?

  • An unlikely hero

Costa Rica's goal came in the 81st minute through their right-back, Fuller. It was a moment that caused jubilation in the stands, as the North American side took a lead.

The defender took Yeltsin Tejeda's pass into his stride perfectly, before he fired a stunning left footed shot into the top left corner. It was a strike that any footballer would be proud of. Shuichi Gonda will be disappointed to not save Fuller's effort, as the ball slipped through his fingers.

It was just the defender's second goal for Costa Rica, but it could not have come at a more important time. In fact, Fuller's strike was Ticos first shot on target in the World Cup.

It wasn't just Fuller's offensive work which won the game for his country. The defender made two passes into the final third, completed 100% of his tackles, and made four recoveries. It was a sensational all-round performance from the right-back, who was key to Costa Rica's victory.

  • Rising back from the dead

On Wednesday, Costa Rica lost 7-0 to Spain. It was a humiliating result for Luis Suarez's men, especially as they failed to have a single shot all match. Many expected Ticos to lose against Japan, but they defied expectations and rose back from the dead.

Despite struggling to maintain possession against the Asian side, Costa Rica maintained their defensive structure and shape effectively. It was a stark contrast from Wednesday, where they seemed fragile at the back every time the Spaniards attacked. 

Japan were frustrated by Costa Rica, who showed passion and desire across all areas of the pitch. Ticos were the clear underdogs for this clash, but sometimes commitment is more important, and this result proved just that.

  • Moriyasu's mistakes

On Wednesday, Hajime Moriyasu's tactical decisions won the game for his country. The substitutes he made were key for both goals, and it earnt him high praise across the world.

However, the manager's decision-making against Costa Rica lacked the confidence which he had against Germany. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kaoru Mitoma, Takuma Asano, Takumi Minamino and Takefusa Kubo were all left out of the starting eleven, despite playing key roles in their comeback against Germany.

Before the tournament, Tomiyasu was touted as Japan's most important player. When he entered the field of play for the second half against Germany, he proved this statement. He made the Asian side more composed in defence, with Japan's defensive structure maintaining stability. The defender did not feature at all against Costa Rica, and it cost them dearly. Japan looked shaky at the back at times, and lacked the composure which Tomiyasu so often brings.

Moriyasu was made to rue his decision-making, and it may cost his country a place in the knockout stages.

  • Failing to take advantage

After Wednesday's victory against footballing giants Germany, many suggested that Japan would qualify for the knockout stages. A win against Costa Rica would have all but seen them qualify for the last sixteen. However, they failed to take advantage of this opportunity. 

The Samurai Blue picked up just 0.85 expected goals, and had just three shots on target. Despite dominating possession, they lacked fluidity in the final third, which was a surprising difference from Wednesday's shock win.

This is partially due to Moriyasu's surprise attacking selection. The manager chose Ayase Ueda to start upfront, with Yuki Soma and Ritsu Doan partnering him on the wings. Ueda and Soma did not feature against Germany, and seemed to struggle in the final third. The Cercle Brugge striker made just twenty-five touches and was subbed off at half-time, which highlights his struggles during the first half.