Japan had defeated Germany as soon as on this World Cup. They did it once more on Friday – this time, additionally upsetting Spain within the course of. And they did it on the identical venue too – Khalifa International Stadium.
In one of the vital dramatic evenings in World Cup historical past, the Asian giants staged an unimaginable second-half comeback to beat 2010 world champions Spain 2-1 and, within the course of, knock out 2014 world champions Germany. who received kicked out of the world cup. Second time in a row within the group stage.
As the fortunes of all 4 groups in Group E swung from one excessive to the opposite, Japan completed forward of Spain within the pool with six factors, who have been degree on factors with Germany (4), however forward of their European rivals within the last. Reached 16. A greater purpose distinction. Costa Rica, who have been in competition to progress for a couple of minutes when Germany took the lead however misplaced 4–2, completed backside of the group with three factors.
observe up#jpn , #FIFA World Cup pic.twitter.com/TiMUVUkz8m
– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022
But the evening belonged to Japan, who as soon as once more pulled off an enormous upset, due to a second-half substitution.
Japan’s coach Hajime Moriyasu has come below extreme criticism for his staff choice within the final two matches. His substitutions within the second half towards Germany labored wonders, turning across the sport because the gamers have been left on the bench towards Costa Rica, leading to a loss. And when he left him out of the beginning 11 towards Spain on Thursday, one questioned whether or not Moriasu had made a mistake once more, particularly after Spain dominated the primary half, following an Eleventh-minute Alvaro Morata header went forward 1–0, leaving second-place Japan on the point of elimination.
Maybe he did. But he positively improved and Japan got here again from the useless to win the match and make it to the final 16.
Moriyasu introduced Ritsu Doan – one of many influential gamers in Germany’s victory – off the bench early within the second half. And it proved to be a game-changing transfer as Doon turned not solely the match, however the complete Group E equation on its head inside a minute of approaching.
Group E We will always remember you.#FIFA World Cup , #Qatar2022
– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022
Up till that time, it was plain crusing for Spain and Germany. While Spain was by no means troubled by Japan, Germany have been asserting themselves over Costa Rica at El Bayt Stadium.
Serge Gnabry’s header from David Raum’s cross gave Germany the lead within the tenth minute they usually have been heading in the right direction to seal a spot within the final 16, provided that Japan – who have been forward of them on factors earlier than kick-off have been – have been dropping Spain at the moment
It remained like this until half time in each the matches. However, after restarting, the tables turned.
After Daun equalized within the forty eighth minute, Tanaka chipped the ball previous Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon in controversial circumstances. The ball appeared to have crossed the byline earlier than Ao Tanaka was performed in to attain. But after a painful await VAR, the decision got here in favor of Japan.
Spain pressed exhausting for a draw however regardless of holding possession, they failed to interrupt down the Japanese wall.
Japan survived worrying moments late within the match to document a well-known victory. It didn’t matter that Germany had defeated Costa Rica within the second sport. Every week after upsetting Germany, they dealt a serious blow, this time by knocking them out of the World Cup.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
