Qatar World Cup 2022 highlights: Japan 2-1 Germany – ‘Another shocking twist’
Another major upset in the Qatar 2022 World Cup as underdogs Japan beat out four-time World Cup winners Germany. The shocking result comes just one day after Saudi Arabia beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
The game started as many thought it would with Germany dominating and controlling the game. But all of a sudden, Japan turned up the heat.
Late goals from Asano and Doan saw Japan come from behind to win – Asano’s goal came in the 83rd minute.
This world cup group is now wide open. GROUP E also has Spain and Costa Rica, and this loss means Germany now has their work cut out for them – and Japan have found themselves in a great position – one they can hopefully capitalise on.
Spain and Costa Rica play each other later today – and could be a great indication of Japan’s chances of making it out of the group stages. It had been presumed that Germany and Spain would be the countries to make it through to the Round of 16.
World Cup 2022 highlights – the full time match report
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan gave Germany the lead from the spot in the first half – a half that saw four -time world cup winners Germany dominate for large spells.
At the 75th minute, substitute Ritsu Doan equalised for Japan, sending the crowd at the Khalifa International Stadium to erupt with joy.
Germany stayed in the game, but another substitute, Takuma Asano struck from a tight angle to make it 2-1 to Japan.
It took a second for the ball to roll down from the roof of the net – and that’s when the crowd realised it had gone in.
Just before Japan struck home their first goal, there had been a string of stunning saves at each end.
Japan’s keeper Shuichi Gonda made two saves to deny Serge Gnabry and Jonas Hofmann, before Germany’s Manuel Neuer managed to get his fingertips to Junya Ito’s effort.
Germany had several chances to extend their lead but just could not capitalise on the moment in front of goal.
In the 2018 World Cup, Germany failed to make it out of the group stage – finishing bottom of their group. Whilst Japan only made it one step further, and were knocked out in the Round of 16 – Japan have never made it beyond the Round of 16.
Germany makes political stand before the game
Ahead of kickoff, the Germany player’s put their hands over their mouths for their team photo – an apparent reference to them being silenced after Fifa threatened to sanction players over the One Love armband.
The German government minister, who sat next to the controversial Fifa president, wore a One Love armband whilst watching the match from the stands.
The German football federation (DFB) is investigating whether it is legal for Fifa to threaten players with yellow cards for wearing the armband in Qatar
