Fuller was the executioner of Japan who had rocked Group E’s first date before Germany. The surname may still sound Germanic in its phonetics. But it’s pure English, like many Ticos. Limón City’s 28-year-old right-back Keysher Fuller Spence will never forget the triumph of Costa Rica This Sunday, November 27, 2022, against the Japanese in Rayán.
The stories of the protagonists sometimes have the flavor of revenge. To new opportunities. Fuller was one of his country’s most criticized footballers following their 0-7 defeat to Spain. For this reason, after the historic victory, the defender vented: “I know how much it cost me to be in the national team, to get to the First Division and this achievement means a lot to me and my family”. And I add: “We had consistency and attitude, we know the match against Spain wasn’t the best, but we believed in ourselves. We will fight to the end.”.
Football is still unpredictable, fortunately. There are no transitive rules. Japan had come off a surprising 2-1 win over Germany and with one win they practically secured qualification. And with a draw he came with many late chances for Spain. Costa Rica, on the other hand, had been beaten by Spain 7-0 on their debut and were already packing their bags. Logic favored the Japanese, who dominated the game, but couldn’t create too many dangers.
Luis Fernando Suárez, the Colombian coach of Costa Rica, did not want a new role like against the Spaniards. That’s why he put together a line of 5 and another of 4 very defensive. And a lone ranger above. That bolt could not be fixed by the Asian team. And despite having the initiative, he lacked the speed and accuracy he displayed in that final stretch of the match against the Germans. Additionally, the coach opted for the more veteran and featured the oldest starting lineup thus far in the tournament.
The surprise came 10 minutes from the end. There was a mistake in the Japanese start, Yeltsin Tejada enabled Fuller, who defined with a left foot in place that overcame goalkeeper Gonda’s effort. The Costa Rican victory left the group standings open for the last round. Costa Rica will play Germany and Japan will settle with Spain next Thursday from 12:00 Argentina time. It will be a double closure so as not to get lost.
Source: Clarin
Jason Root is the go-to source for sports coverage at News Rebeat. With a passion for athletics and an in-depth knowledge of the latest sports trends, Jason provides comprehensive and engaging analysis of the world of sports.