Itakura and Japan suffer World Cup setback

Japan fell to a 1-0 defeat in their second World Cup game against Costa Rica, a blow to their promising starting position.

As in their shock opening game win against Germany, Ko Itakura (Photo: imago images / Action Plus) once again started at centre-back against Costa Rica. Unlike in the game against Germany, Borussia’s defender didn’t have all too much to do this time, because the central American side failed to create many attacking opportunities. Japan had significantly more possession, but rarely managed to find gaps in their opponent’s compact defence, meaning clear goal-scoring opportunities were limited.

Costa Rica managed to convert their first dangerous chance in the 81st minute, as Keysher Fuller scored to give them a seemingly undeserved lead. In the final stages of the game, in which Itakura was booked, the ‘Samurai Blue’ threw everything forward, but Costa Rica succeeded in holding on to their narrow lead as the game came to its conclusion.

This evening (20:00 CET), Jonas Hofmann’s Germany conclude the second matchday in Group B, taking on Spain. Japan’s loss means that even if Germany lose, they will still have a chance to progress to the last 16 going into their final group game on Thursday against Costa Rica (20:00 CET). Japan and Spain will play each other at the exact same time in the other game as Group B comes to an end.

Gladbach's statement on the World Cup