Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma suffers defeat with Japan at World Cup

Kaoru Mitoma’s World Cup dream is in the balance.

Japan lost 1-0 to Costa Rica in their second group fixture.

Keysher Fuller chipped home an audacious goal on 81 minutes to punish a Japan side who never really got going.

Mitoma went on as sub on the left wing just past the hour mark as Japan looked to liven things up after an awful first half.

He created their best chance of a late equaliser after gliding past Fuller and cutting the ball back.

But Daichi Kamada’s shot was blocked and a scramble ended with the ball in the hands of keeper Keylor Navas.

Mitoma created more danger with a similar run and cutback in injury time.

The Albion man has made no secret he would love to help Japan reach the last eight for the first time.

They now need a result against Spain on Thursday.

While he is widely seen in Japan as an impact sub, Mitoma will surely stand a strong chance of his first start of the tournament in that game.