Japan thrashed Costa Rica 2-0 become 2nd team to qualify for knockout stage of 2023 Women’s World Cup
Japan have qualified for the Fifa Women's World Cup round of 16 after their routine win over Costa Rica was followed by Spain beating Zambia to ensure both progressed from Group C.
Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino both scored in the space of three first-half minutes to ease the 2011 champions to three points.
Having comfortably beaten Zambia 5-0 in its opening game, Japan continued its impressive showing at the World Cup.
Japan's victory put them on the brink of qualification but they still needed a win to guarantee their place in the knockout stages with one game still to play.
Japan will face much tougher tests than Costa Rica and Zambia in their opening game, However, two wins and seven goals cannot be ignored.
Japan and Spain, who are the first sides to qualify, both have six points in Group C and will face off for top spot.
Japan needing to win to finish first due to Spain's superior goal difference.
Since stunning the football world by beating the United States in the 2011 final, Japan have underwhelmed on the global stage.
Costa Rica, alongside Zambia, become the first two sides eliminated from the competition. They will also meet on Monday, with both seeking their first ever World Cup victory.
What's Next.?
The Spain and Japan sides will face each other in the finale of Group C on Monday, July 31, knowing that the winner will face the runner-up of Group A and the loser will face the top team of Group A.
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bbc & cnn
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