AGENCIES

November 27: Costa Rica stunned Japan 1-0 thanks to a late goal at the World Cup on Sunday to blow Group E wide open. The win over Japan has given a potential lifeline to heavyweight Germany, who were beaten by the Samurai Blue 2-1 in their opening match.

According to AFP, Japan could have taken a giant stride towards the last 16 with a win but they laboured for large parts of the match against a Costa Rica side who were hammered 7-0 by Spain.

Keysher Fuller's curling 81st-minute effort, Costa Rica's first shot on target in the entire tournament, rocked Japan and put their hopes of progression in peril, Reuters reported.

The result left Spain, Japan and Costa Rica all on three points. Spain face Germany later on Sunday in another crucial contest.