Japan stunned Germany with a late 2-1 comeback goals to defeat the four-time world champions in their World Cup opener at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.
Germany VS Japan
During the game on Wednesday, November 23, Germany dominated the game for large spells but failed to capitalise on their pressure before Japan’s substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano scored late goals which threw the fans into a mix of mixed celebration and surprise.
German’s İlkay Gündoğan had opened scoring from the spot to put the four-time champions ahead of Japan in the 33rd minute.
While Japan’s Ritsu Doan drew his side level in the 75th minute, Takuma Asano put the final nail in Germany’s ‘coffin’ in the 83rd, beating Neuer from near post.
Japan’s win will sort of pacify for the similar fashion they crashed out of the 2018 edition, losing 3-2 having led Belgium 2-0 up until the 69th minute.
Japan will now go into their next group game against Costa Rica knowing that a win send them into the next round of competition. For Germany, it doesn’t get easier as they face Spain next.
Watch the highlights below:
https://twitter.com/SSFootball/status/1595411440378073088?s=20&t=zw_UYhedU5uwmd_DBLEucw
https://twitter.com/SSFootball/status/1595427468227141637?s=20&t=zw_UYhedU5uwmd_DBLEucw
https://twitter.com/SSFootball/status/1595432600264265729?s=20&t=zw_UYhedU5uwmd_DBLEucw
KanyiDaily had also reported how Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the great upsets in World Cup history by beating Argentina 2-1 to bring the tournament to life and leave Lionel Messi facing the prospect of a humiliating exit at his final World Cup.