Japan defeats Germany in a shocking World Cup comeback.

In their World Cup Group E opener on Wednesday, Japan stunned Germany by coming from behind to win 2-1.

At the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan gave Germany the lead with a penalty on the 33rd minute, and forward Kai Havertz had the ball in the net just before halftime but the goal was disallowed for offside.

With goals from Takuma Asano and attacker Ritsu Doan in the closing 15 minutes, Japan overcame Germany to win for the first time ever and pull off an early tournament surprise.

The shocking outcome was a rerun of their World Cup misery from last year, when they fell to Mexico in their opening match as defending champions and, following another loss to South Korea, were doomed to an unexpected group-stage elimination.

When posing for their pregame team photo, the Germany players covered their mouths, and interior minister Nancy Faeser sat next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino while sporting the "OneLove" armband as FIFA's threat of sanctions over the protest persisted.

The second half started out with little deviation from the norm as Gundogan clipped a post and Jamal Musiala fired wide following a dangerous move.

Gonda then made amends by making four straight saves to keep his team in the game and deny Jonas Hofmann and Serge Gnabry.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of Germany, who is competing in his fourth World Cup, was alert to stop Hiroki Sakai, then did well to stop Takumi Minamino shortly after, only for fellow substitute Doan to slam home the loose ball.

Asano displayed incredible strength to bring down a high free kick, hold off defender Nico Schlotterbeck, and fantastic technique to hammer the ball into the tightest of spaces as Japan continued to push forward.

From that point on, Germany attacked with all of its might, but to no avail, and now faces a game against Spain that might be a must-win.

 

Source : https://www.espn.in/football/report?gameId=633797