Costa Rica showed real resilience to bounce back from its 7-0 thrashing by Spain to record a surprise 1-0 victory over Japan in Group E of the Qatar World Cup.

Keysher Fuller scored in the 81st minute for Costa Rica on Sunday, leaving both teams with three points after two games.

Fuller took advantage of a defensive error when Japan failed to clear its lines and then made a second mistake by playing him onside.

Fuller took deliberate aim from the edge of the area and his precise shot just made it into the net off the fingertips of Japan’s goalkeeper, Shuichi Gonda, who should have done better.

The match at Ahmad Bin Ali stadium was tactical and largely lacklustre, particularly in a first half that did not yield a single shot on goal.

Costa Rica players applaud their supporters after their upset victory. Photo Getty

The second half was slightly better with Japan pressing throughout until Costa Rica broke through.

Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas came up with several rapid-fire saves in the final minutes to preserve the victory.

Japan has one group game remaining against Spa

in, while Costa Rica will face Germany.

A victory would have all but wrapped up a place in the knockout stage for Japan after it beat Germany 2-1 in its opening clash.

-AP