'Rebirth? We are not dead', says Costa Rica coach Suarez after Spain humiliation

DOHA : Costa Rica coach Luis Suarez dismissed any notions of the team needing a 'rebirth' following their humiliating 7-0 loss against Spain in their World Cup group opener, saying they will not repeat the same mistakes against Japan.

Costa Rica came into the World Cup with a reputation for being a defensively strong side having conceded only eight goals in World Cup qualifiers but were ripped apart by a Spain team that barely allowed their opponents to have a whiff of the ball.

"Rebirth? We are not dead, so we cannot have a rebirth," Suarez told reporters ahead of Sunday's second Group E game against Japan.

"Ten years ago, Honduras beat Canada 8-1. Now Canada is the best team in CONCACAF. Only 10 years have gone by, so I'm sure they learned from that defeat.

"Everyone learns form their mistakes but you need to be strong to keep on going and say, 'OK, I will bounce back even if I'm exposed to criticism or I'm defeated'. If you don't keep fighting, you're a loser."

Japan come into the match riding a wave of confidence having beaten 2014 champions Germany in their group opener and Suarez said he does not expect the Asian side to take their foot off the gas.

"I hope that my players keep their feet on the ground. I don't think that Japan will be distracted or not focused having beaten Germany," Suarez said.

"What I hope is to see the best version of Japan so there are no excuses from our side. I don't want a situation where things are easy for us.

"Japan had a wonderful performance against Germany that led them to victory. Therefore, it will be even more difficult for us, we will respect them."

When it was put to him that Costa Rica need to make changes to avoid a similar humiliation, Suarez said he trusted his players to follow his