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Japan and Costa Rica took to the field on Monday in a World Cup tune-up friendly for both sides. Despite the Central Americans getting a lead in Tampa, Florida through Bryan Ruiz, Japan came roaring back in the second half with goals from Yasuhito Endo, Shinji Kagawa, and Yoichiro Kakitani.
Former Chivas USA defender Michael Umana, a fixture for Los Ticos, started and played the full 90 minutes against Japan. He wasn't directly at fault for any of Japan's goals, as the Asian side's typical skill and teamwork with the ball left Costa Rica grasping at air on each of the goals.
However, Umaña did have a...notable moment in the game, as discussed by Japan-based soccer writer Ben Mabley during the broadcast:
No comment from Japanese TV that we're stopped because Michael Umaña took a rasping shot from Yuto Nagatomo right in the nads. Ooeeurgh.
— Ben Mabley(ベン・メイブリー) (@BenMabley) June 3, 2014
Here are the highlights from the match:
Costa Rica's final friendly ahead of the World Cup will be on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland at PPL Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, but it will not be televised in the United States. Hopefully there will be some foreign highlights to snag after the fact. Still, the game should give them a solid chance to get a result, while still providing a good test, before going to Brazil.
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