The 2011 champions and 2015 runners-up Japan continued with their dominant performance at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup defeating Costa Rica 2-0 to knock them out of the competition.

Hikaru Naomoto opened the scoring in the 25th minute when she capitalized on a slip by Maria Coto before firing into the bottom corner.

The Asian side, continued pushing for a second goal and their efforts paid off when Aoba Fujino scored the second goal just two minutes later to ensure that they went on a break with a comfortable lead.

And in the second half, Nadeshiko Japan continued with their dominance but failed to add to the goals as Costa Rica remained solid to end the match 2-0.

READ MORE: Zambia listed as the shortest team at the Women’s World Cup

It was Japan’s second victory at the tournament which puts them one foot in the knockout stage.

They beat Zambia 5-0 in their first group game while Costa Rica lost 3-0 to Spain in their first match.

Today’s result meant that Japan is on the verge of a place in the last 16 if Spain avoids defeat to Zambia.