Japan became the first side to qualify for the knockout stage of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup after they defeated Costa Rica 2-0.
Two first half goals by Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino gave the Asians another three points and gave them a total of six that guarantees a place in the round of 16.
Recall that they spanked Copper Queens of Zambia 5-0 in their opening match.
On the other hand, Costa Rica are the first team to be officially eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Japan. They lost their opening match as well to Spain.
Zambia will take on Spain later today and a loss will see the Africans eliminated and Spain qualify for the knockout stage. So Zambia must defeat Spain to stand a chance of qualifying.
