Japan resurrected their World Cup campaign with a great win against mighty Spain on Thursday. Having lost to Costa Rica in their second game, Japan came into a match where a win was required to confirm qualification to the second round.
Spain started strongly and it appeared that the match was going to be a usual smooth-sailing comfortable win.
Spainish striker Morato opened the scoring in the 11th minute through a header off an Azpilicuetta cross.
Japan had no shot on goal as the first half ended with Spain leading 1-0. In the other group, Germany also led Costa Rico 1-0 at half time. At that stage, Spain and Germany were on top of the group and both would have qualified if the result stood the same.
However, high drama ensued in the second half.
Japan equalised though a Ritsu Doan goal in the 48th minute. Doan scored with a powerful shot from just outside the penalty box. Spanish keeper Simon got a hand to it, but the shot was so powerful that he could not prevent the goal.
Less than three minutes later, Mitoma retrieved a low cross from Doan and pulled it back to Ao Tanaka for a simple tap as Japan went 2-1 up.
The ball had almost crossed the corner line and the referee had to refer to the VAR to confirm if the ball was in play.
If this ball is ruled out Germany would be moving on to the Round of 16 😱 pic.twitter.com/PcceKn0AIW
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 1, 2022
The VAR review showed that some part of the ball was toughing the line; and the goal stood, setting off wild celebrations as Japan went 2-1 up.
What a night! #FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022
In the other match, Costa Rica also went 2-1 up against Germany after the half time. At that point, both Germany and Spain were going out of the tournament.
Japan was resilient. With a packed defensive midfield and disciplined backline, Japan denied any opening to Spain as Spain could make only two shots on goal in the second half up to the 85th minute.
In the 89th minute, Asensio had a good long-range shot saved by Japanese keeper S Gonda while another by Olmo from close range in the 90th minute was also saved.
Another famous Japan win sees them top a wild Group E 🇯🇵@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022
Japan held on to beat the mighty Spain which had 83% possession in the match, as they topped the table.
Japan will play Croatia in the knock-out round of 16.
The other match between Costa Rica and Germany turned out to be an exciting match with six goals.
A win for Costa Rica meant qualification for the round of 16 while Germany needed to win and Japan to lose or draw to qualify.
Serge Gnabry scored early in the 10th minute by heading in a Raum cross to give Germany a perfect start.
Neur made a spectacular save in the 42nd minute to deny Fuller and Costa Rica.
However, in the second half, Costa Rica equalised through Tejeda in the 58th minute when Neuer spilled a header by Benette. The rebound was pounced on by Tejeda to score from close range.
Neuer made another clumsy mistake when he failed to collect a headed ball and, in the process, he miscued a ball into his own net.
Costa Rica at this point were making the knock-out round of 16. Germany made numerous attempts. Jamal Musialah was unlucky as he hit the post two times, while Rudiger also hit the woodwork as Germany tried searching for their second goal.
Kai Havertz then scored two goals, the equaliser in the 73rd minute and another in the 85th minute to bring back the advantage to Germany. Fullkrug then score in the 89th minute to seal Germany’s win.
Germany have been knocked out in the group stage in back-to-back World Cups 😳 pic.twitter.com/rt0a0btXYg
— GOAL (@goal) December 1, 2022
Germany won but needed spain to win or draw against Japan. But it was not to be as Germany crashed out of the group stage of world cup for the 2nd time in a row. Costa Rica also ended their campaign.
Japan will meet Croatia in the round of 16 while Spain takes on Morocco.
