Japan eye one more giant-killing World Cup act, this time against Spain

DOHA: It was a game that was vital to their hopes of progressing to the World Cup round of 16.

But after the Samurai Blue had done the hard work by overcoming Germany 2-1 in their tournament opener, Japan would slip up against unfancied Costa Rica.

That painful 1-0 defeat means that they will have to mount another giant-killing to move on to the next stage .

Their opponents? 2010 World Cup champions and three-time European champions Spain.

Luis Enrique's men hammered Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening game before being held 1-1 by Germany. Their progression to the knockouts is still not confirmed, giving them all the incentive for maximum points against Japan.

Speaking to CNA after a training session on Monday (Nov 29), Japan players acknowledged the pain of the loss on Sunday (Nov 27), but said they have moved on.

"We've got over it ... As a team, we are completely switched on for the next game. The (day after) the (Costa Rica) game was a little bit dark but now we are all set for the new route (to progress)," said goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt, who plays in Belgium for top-tier side Sint-Truiden.

Defender Kou Itakura described the result as a "disappointing" one.

"Of course after the game, we were disappointed with the result but we are already focused on Thursday," said the 25-year-old, who joined Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach this season. 

Schmidt echoed similar sentiments.

"If you look at the game again, (Costa Rica) didn't have that many chances so it's a bit frustrating - the result," he said. "I think we deserved more. It was a hard game to accept, but nothing will change even (if) we think about it."

Spain are currently top of group E with four points, with Japan second on three. Costa Rica also have three points but