MIAMI, Florida – The Costa Rican Women’s National Team will try to bounce back from defeat to Spain in their opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when they face Japan on Wednesday at the Dunedin Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand in their second match of Group C.
Las Ticas suffered a 3-0 loss in their debut against Spain, unable to earn a first ever Women’s World Cup victory in their fourth attempt.
GK Daniela Solera was the player to watch in the last match, as she stopped 10 attempts on goal, including a penalty kick, helping her team stay in the match. She will be key again against Japan, leading the Costa Rican defensive line and playing to not concede any goals.
FW Melissa Herrera will also be a player to keep an eye on, as she was the only player from La Sele to attempt a shot on goal in the first match, while also having the most crosses for the Central American side. This time, she will have legendary FW Raquel Rodriguez alongside her, now that Rodriguez is available after being out due to injury.
Japan, champions in 2011, lived another story in their opener, defeating Zambia 5-0. They were loyal to their style of play, dominating the ball, breaking defensive lines and being effective when facing the opposing goal.
MF Hinata Miyazawa was the star of the match, scoring two goals for the Asian side. Another player that Costa Rica will have to figure out how to stop is FW Mina Tanaka, as most of the Japanese game flows through her.
This is the first time these teams have faced each other, with Costa Rica looking to make history against a past champion.