"We did what we needed to do and we did it well," said Japan head coach Futoshi Ikeda of the win over Costa Rica in Dunedin. 

 

"Some of the players are at a World Cup for the first time but they are really energetic and that makes me so happy."

The final scoreline could have been more as Japan totally dominated the tie with 

 

Hikaru Naomoto gave them the lead on 25 minutes and they made it 2-0 when they again sliced through Costa Rica's shaky defence moments later with the 19-year-old Aoba Fujino turning her marker, dribbling into the penalty area and powering her shot inside the near post.

"The team is overall working as a unit... the atmosphere is good, the energy is good, the staff also bring positive vibes, and I think that is helping the team too," he added.

 

Spain, however, will be tougher proposition but Ikeda said Japan will approach the match with confidence and focus.