Japan had never previously beaten their European opponents before today (Picture: Getty)
Chris Sutton somehow correctly predicted that Japan would stun Germany 2-1 at the World Cup in Qatar.
Japan shocked the world with a superb victory over the Germans on Wednesday in their opening Group E match, coming from behind to secure the win.
The result means Germany have lost a World Cup game in which they led at half time for the first time since 1978.
Japan had never previously beaten their European opponents but Sutton saw it coming when he made his opening round predictions.
‘People are calling Group B the toughest group [England, USA, Wales and Iran] based on team rankings but this one seems much harder,’ Sutton told the BBC before the game kicked off.
‘Most people will probably expect Germany to join Spain in the last 16, but don’t underestimate Japan, who have got some talented technical players.
‘I am just not sure about this Germany side. They might gel in Qatar but their erratic form in the past 12 months or so suggests they could be something of a soft touch – Japan will have some chances here. 1-2.’
Sutton slammed Germany following Japan’s victory and branded this year’s World Cup as ‘strange’.
‘This group [Germany, Spain, Japan and Costa Rica] now is wide open,’ he added.
‘Hansi Flick and his German team are under real pressure. They had so much control and you couldn’t see them losing this game after 60 minutes but they did.
‘They’ve got real work on this hands now to get out of this group. Japan are in a wonderful position. What a strange World Cup we have had so far, it’s great.
‘What a strange game. Japan weren’t in it in the first half. Germany were controlling it. Then all of a sudden, Japan show they can play.
‘Then [Takuma] Asano with a brilliant finish, he lifts the ball into the roof of the net past [Manuel] Neuer.
‘The Germans got desperate, Hansi Flick’s substitutions were woeful and they went direct.’
MORE : Roy Keane rages at Germany star and ‘schoolboy’ defending for Japan winner
MORE : Ian Wright blasts Chelsea star after Germany’s shock defeat to Japan
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
World Cup 2022: your FAQs answered
You got the lottery numbers, Chris?
