Japan make it two from two at the World Cup
Japan all but sealed their place in the Women's World Cup last 16 on Wednesday. The 2011 champions easily beat an error-prone Costa Rica 2-0 in front of 6,992 spectators in Dunedin - the smallest crowd at the tournament yet - to stand on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stage. The game was effectively killed off in the space of three first-half minutes. Hikaru Naomoto fired Japan ahead on 25 minutes after the Costa Rica defence went AWOL and her shot squirmed underneath goalkeeper Daniela Solera. Solera was at fault again just two minutes later, allowing Aoba Fujino's shot to go in at her near post. Japan began their campaign in Australia and New Zealand by thrashing Zambia, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, 5-0. Their six points so far in the tournament will be enough to see them progress, provided Spain beat Zambia in Wednesday's second Group C clash at Eden Park, in Auckland. (AFP)