FIFA World Cup, Japan vs. Costa Rica | Goalless at halftime
The Hindu
Here are the latest match updates from Group E match between Japan and Costa Rica, line-ups, and more
First Half: The game between Japan and Costa Rica in FIFA World Cup 2022 Group E saw little action in the opening 45 minutes and was locked at 0-0 at halftime at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Sunday.
Japan created their only decent chance in the 13th minute when winger Ritsu Doan sent in a dangerous ball across the face of the goal but none of his teammates were able to reach it.
Preview: Coach Hajime Moriyasu rewarded Ritsu Doan with a start in Japan’s second FIFA World Cup 2022 Group E game against Costa Rica on Sunday after he scored as a substitute in Wednesday’s stunning World Cup upset of Germany.
Doan’s promotion was one of five changes to the starting line-up from the Germany match, with Miki Yamane coming into the defence in place of Hiroki Sakai.
Hidemasa Morita, Yuki Soma, and Doan come into midfield with Ao Tanaka, Takefusa Kubo, and Junya Ito dropping out, while Ayase Ueda will start up front in place of Daizen Maeda.
Costa Rica coach Luis Suarez largely kept faith with the team that suffered a humiliating 7-0 loss at the hands of Spain in their group opener.
Gerson Torres comes in for Jewisson Bennette in midfield, while Kendall Waston lined up in a five-man defense in place of Carlos Martinez.