The unpredictable nature of Qatar 2022 World Cup it continued on Wednesday as Japan scored two late goals to beat four-time world champions Germany 2-1 in their Group E opener.
Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty in the 33rd minute gave Germany the lead in the Group E clash and it was not until the 75th minute that the Blue Samurai overturned the lead.
Substitute Ritsu Doan equalized for Japan in the 75th minute, before Takuma Asano equalized eight minutes later.
Starting on this disappointing note, Germany, who were knocked out at the 2018 World Cup group stage, will be desperate to bounce back when they face Spain on Sunday, with Japan next up against Costa Rica on the same day. .
The game
Japan saw what they were hoping for when they had the ball in the back of the net in the eighth minute of the match.
Daizen Maeda went very close to the ball, but the goal was well scored, coming in from an offside position.
Germany’s first half-chance came in the 16th minute when Antonio Rudiger swung in a corner from the left, but the centre-back’s header went wide.
Gundogan had another chance in the 28th minute but fired one into the arms of the Japanese keeper.
The Manchester City midfielder was presented with another chance later on, but his shot at goal was blocked as the Germans pressed their opponents.
Hansi Flick’s team got a save when they conceded a penalty in the 31st minute.
David Raum was brought down by Shuichi Gonda and Gundogan stepped up to put his side ahead with a calmly taken penalty kick in the 33rd minute.
Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala tried to double Germany’s lead before the break, but the Japanese did well not to concede another goal.
The second part
Germany got off to a great start after the break, with Gnabry firing over the Japanese bar after great work from Thomas Muller.
Musiala also made a direct attempt in the 51st minute after showing excellent feet in the area.
Germany continued to chase a second goal but were denied by Gonda’s excellent goalkeeping, Gnabry on at least two occasions.
After holding off the Germans, Japan equalized in the 75th minute when Doan fired in from close range, only for Neuer to fire a low cross into the penalty area.
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Hajime Moriyasu’s team scored the second in the 83rd minute, and Asano scored.
Germany threw everything they needed to at least pull the equalizer, but all efforts were in vain
They are in a difficult situation now, as they face a must-win game against Spain.
For Japan, they would like a chance to reach the knockout stages of the competition for the fourth time with another win in their second group game.
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