Pura vida for Costa Rica in Qatar: 1-0 over Japan with 100% effectiveness | CHRONICLE

Costa Rica made a single shot in 170 minutes in the World Cup Qatar 2022. Only one. But it was worth more than the thousands of barrels Qatar produces a day for one of the richest countries in the world. Keysher Fuller’s faulty shot, ten meters from the rival goal and with a speed of 34 km/h, meant the victory of a Central American team that had just been humiliated by Spain against a Japan that had surprised the world by beating Germany. This is football, the wise would say. Pura vida! the Costa Ricans shout.

The endless hugs from the players at the end of the game towards Fuller show gestures of happiness mixed with disbelief. The same ones that the right winger-midfielder of Sportivo Herediano from his country showed when conceding the goal at 81 ‘with the help of Shuichi Gonda, the Japanese goalkeeper who went from being Benji Price to a mere mortal. It was also his third goal with his national team, having previously scored against the United States and Jamaica.

In a group E in which there are two powers as Spain Y Germanyand a project well worked as Japan; the technician’s plan Luis Fernando Suarez It was always keeping the goal at zero with a line of three center-backs and two full-backs-midfielders who became five defenders trying to close all the possible spaces across the width of the field, added to two brand midfielders, two attackers on the flanks who also support and a single striker.

If the plan failed against Spain (they conceded seven goals and suffered a colossal dance), against Japan it did work. The first half did not have any emotion in the areas. No serious shot on goal from the Asian team, which could not control the ball either, although still very timid, something strange because in the previous one it was thought that after the historic victory against Germany, and with the history of Costa Ricathis meeting was going to be a pure procedure and they could set foot in the round of 16 of the world Cup.

Meanwhile, the ethical defense showed itself to be very sober, resisting all the onslaughts and without giving work to Keylor Navas, the historic goalkeeper who, together with Celso Borges, reached the ten World Cup matches.

After a very weak first half, the Japanese came out with everything in the second half and just after 30 seconds they already began to make a figure for Navas. The coach’s tactical change Hajime Moriyasu resorting to the scheme of three centrals and advancing to their wings had an effect. They began to create danger with arrivals on the wings.

The encounter turned into a Japanese monologue. It was almost always played in the Costa Rican area. But football -like life itself- always gives surprises. If the Asians undeservingly defeated Germany, taking advantage of two defensive mistakes,

The final minutes were all in blue. Centers and more centers than Keylor Navas picked up Shots that the Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper from France saved, perhaps remembering those days in Brazil 2014 in which he was the great figure and served as a springboard to reach Real Madrid and make history.

The unexpected victory against the Japanese – the sixth in the history of the World Cups – gives life to those led by Luis Fernando Suarez despite the fact that in the game it seems to deserve nothing. they matched with Japan Y Spain with three points at the top of group E, although they still have -6 in goal difference. But anyway they dream of qualifying for the round of 16.

But the three points have also given hope to Germany, that this afternoon will collide against the Spanish team. What was going to be a life or death duel for those of Hansi Flick; now, thanks to Fuller, it won’t. Even losing they still have chances to qualify but depending on other results.

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