Japan cruise to victory over Costa Rica

The Nadeshiko have earned their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 with a comfortable 2-0 win over Costa Rica.

First half goals from Hikaru Naomoto of Urawa Reds and Tokyo Verdy Beleza’s Aoba Fujuno were enough to seal the win from a performance that may well have come with a higher scoreline on another day.

Futoshi Ikeda made four changes to his starting eleven that faced Zambia at the weekend. Shiori Miyake, Hina Sugita, Honoka Hayashi and Hikaru Naomoto stepped in for Rion Ishikawa, Jun Endo, Fuka Nagano and Hinata Miyazawa.

Naturally, the back three system was present and correct with Sugita on the left and Shimizu on the right as usual. The emphasis on wing-play paid dividends and it was clear from the off that this would be replicated once again today.

Japan were unlucky not to take the lead early when Mina Tanaka headed wide of the mark from a corner-kick routine that saw all three center-backs positioned in the Costa Rican penalty area, suggesting that set pieces are now considered viable goal scoring opportunities.

Moments later skipper Saki Kumagai saw her headed effort saved by Costa Rica keeper Daniela Solera, again from a solid corner-kick delivery from the right side. Las Ticas would tighten up their set piece marking from there on.

Frustration struck again in the 15th minute when young forward Fujino and Shimizu both lunged to convert a finely crafted move beginning deep in the Japan half. The chances were coming thick and fast with only a finishing touch lacking.

Hikaru Naomoto broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. Luck played its part when a Costa Rican defender slipped when attempting an interception from a Tanaka through ball which the Urawa Reds attacker was all too obliged to take advantage of and fire past the keeper with a thunderous strike.

The lead was doubled just two minutes later when 19-year-old forward Fujino picked the ball up near the corner flag before taking it past Costa Rican left back Elizondo and scoring from a tight angle. It was all one-way traffic at this point.

Herrera came close to finding the mark shortly after, alerting Japan to the fact that there is still life in this Costa Rican side who’s world cup fate was hanging in the balance.

The half drew to a close with Japan comfortably leading by two goals. Truth be told, the scoreline could have been higher if not for further attempts from Naomoto and Tanaka both going begging.

With no changes made at the half, the second half continued along similar lines and everyone remaining in the same positions they were assigned from the get go, although Japan appeared to have less urgency going forward and were content in allowing Costa Rica to have more of the ball. Now that group progression was all but confirmed there was no need to exert unnecessary energy and risk injury.

The first change in personnel came at the 56-minute mark when striker Riko Ueki replaced Tanaka and Miyazawa replaced Fujino. The formation stayed the same with Miyzawa assuming the right sided attack position with Tanaka up top. Other changes included Nagano and Seike on for Hayashi and Naomoto.

A Shimizu delivery was contested by Ueki and Solera which ended with the Costa Rican keeper floored with fears of a head injury. The stray ball was narrowly cleared and lifted out of play before the fallen player received the appropriate treatment.

A further chance came just past the 71-minute mark as Ueki headed straight at the keeper from close range. Had the forward directed her head just a touch in either direction she would surely have scored Japan’s third of the game and her second of the tournament.

Japan remained comfortable for the remainder of the game and were perfectly comfortable in allowing the central Americans to come onto them. At this point the Nadeshiko had eased up on the pressing game and would only engage once Costa Rica entered Japan’s defensive half.

Before the final whistle Japan created further semi-viable chances, usually with a high delivery to central striker Ueki who, in all honesty, was wasteful in front of goal. The WE League golden boot winner has had better games, make no mistake.

All told this was another solid display from Japan with the only criticism being that the scoreline could and should have been higher given the amount credible chances they created. As with the Zambia game, there is only so much to be taken from this performance with Costa Rica ultimately offering very little in the way of competition.

WHAT WE LEARNED

Set pieces are a weapon: Seemingly there is an enhanced emphasis on set-piece deliveries and crosses into the box. All three centre-backs are instructed to get into the box and provide aerial threat both on corners and freekicks. The deliveries are almost entirely sent long into the corridors of uncertainty and this is likely going to play it’s part when the Nadeshiko are locked out of the danger zone when up against disciplined defensive setups.

A real or false number 9?: Not only at this tournament, but also in the matches building up to it Japan have seemed most potent when playing a deeper lying, chance creating centre forward who plays with their back to goal ready to set others up. Thus far Mina Tanaka has been tasked with this role and has fulfilled it competently, assisting both goals in this game. It seems that this may well be the go to approach moving forward and she will be the starting forward in Ikeda’s strongest side.

WHAT THEY SAID

Futoshi Ikeda (Japan Coach)

“When defending we were focused today. When possession was given away everyone was switched on and ready to react”.

“Heading into the Spain game we will prepare appropriately with a focus on conditioning”.

Hikaru Naomoto

“I wanted us to win us the game by scoring a goal myself so I was delighted to find the net. But it was only the first goal so I had to come back down right away.”

WHAT COMES NEXT

Japan’s progression to the Round of 16 is now confirmed. Heading into the last game they will need a win against Spain to finish first in Group C with the Europeans now having a superior goal difference. The only question is whether Ikeda will use this match as an important opportunity to sharpen his first choice players against elite opposition, or rest them with an all important Round of 16 knockout game in mind.