Wednesday | November 23, 2022

Japan came out and punched above their weight to defeat the 2014 FIFA World Cup champions Germany at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

In the Group E fixture played in day time, Germany dominated the entire match but mainly the first half with one goal to show for it. İlkay Gündoğan scored from a spotkick in the 33rd minute. They went to the break holding a slender 1-0 lead.

In the second, Germany continued their attack where they left off but failed to convert many clear-cut opportunities. The Japanese bench changed the tactics and brought in Ritsu Doan who leveled matters (1-1) in the 75th minute. Riding on the momentum of their of their gripping performance, Japan put the game to bed through Takuma Asano in the 83rd minute when his shot flew over the German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and the ball bulged the net.

Japan found themselves 2-1 ahead against the flow of the entire game. Germany tried all their skilled offensive players to no avail. And the game ended with Japan fetching the maximum points and thus, tops the group with three vital points. 

Germany and Japan are in the same group with Spain who crushed Costa Rica 7-0 tonight. With this harsh spanking by the Spanish, the group gets more interesting. In view of Japa and Spain victories, it is not going to be any easy for the Germans. However, there is still more football to be played for any premature conclusions so far.

Wednesday | Nov. 23 FIFA World Cup Results:

Group F: Morocco 0-0 Croatia

Group E: Spain 7-0 Costa Rica

Group F: Belgium 1-0 Canada