Japan see off Costa Rica and advance to knockouts

Two goals in two first-half minutes gave Japan victory over Costa Rica at Dunedin Stadium and the 2011 champions went on to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup, while with Spain's victory over Zambia, Costa Rica's hopes of advancing are over.

Playing through Mina Tanaka in an advanced midfield role rather than playmaker Yui Hasegawa as they had in their 5-0 win over Zambia, Japan were already well in the ascendant before the double blow that knocked the stuffing out of the Central Americans.

Left winger Hikaru Naomoto struck first in the 25th minute, pouncing on a slip from Maria Paula Coto and storming into the area before stroking the ball into the net past diving goalkeeper Daniela Solera.

Two minutes later, teenager Aoba Fujino turned a defender on the right wing, ran directly at goal and beat Solera at her near post from a tight angle.

Costa Rica, who were beaten 3-0 by Spain in their opener, were barely able to land a blow on their opponents and it looked from then on only a matter of many goals Japan would rack up.

Despite having 25 attempts on goal, however, Japan were unable to add to their tally - a shortcoming that might concern coach Futoshi Ikeda with tougher challenges lying ahead.

Japan face Spain in Wellington on Monday in a match that will decide which of the two sides top the group.