Japan had defeated Germany once in this World Cup. They did it again on Friday – this time, also upsetting Spain in the process. And they did it at the same venue too – Khalifa International Stadium.
In one of the most dramatic evenings in World Cup history, the Asian giants staged an incredible second-half comeback, defeating 2010 world champions Spain 2–1 and, in the process, knocking out 2014 world champions Germany, who went on to win the World Cup. out of the cup. Group stage for the second time in a row
As the fortunes of all four teams in Group E swung from one extreme to the other, Japan finished ahead of Spain in the pool with six points, who were level on points with Germany (4), but ahead of their European rivals in the final. Reached 16. A better goal difference. Costa Rica, who were in contention to progress for a few minutes when Germany took the lead but lost 4–2, finished bottom of the group with three points.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu’s team selection has come under heavy scrutiny in the last two matches. His replacements worked wonders in the second half against Germany, turning around the game and being left on the bench against Costa Rica, resulting in a loss. And when he left him out of the starting 11 against Spain on Thursday, one wondered if Moriasu had made a mistake again, especially after Spain dominated the first half, following an 11th-minute Alvaro Morata header went ahead 1–0, leaving second-place Japan on the brink of elimination.
Maybe he did. But he definitely improved and Japan came back from the dead to win the match and make it to the last 16.
Moriyasu replaced Ritsu Donn – one of the influential players in Germany’s victory – off the bench early in the second half. And it proved to be a game-changing move as Doon turned not only the match, but the entire Group E equation on its head within a minute of coming on.
Up until that point, it was plain sailing for Spain and Germany. While Spain was never troubled by Japan, Germany were asserting themselves over Costa Rica at El Bayt Stadium.
Serge Gnabry’s header from David Raum’s cross had given Germany the lead in the 10th minute and they looked to seal a place in the last 16, given that Japan – who were ahead of them on points before kick-off Were ahead – Spain was losing at that time
It remained like this till half time in both the matches. However, after restarting, the tables turned.
After Daun equalized in the 48th minute, Tanaka dropped the ball past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon in controversial circumstances. The ball appeared to have crossed the byline before Ao Tanaka was played in to score. But after a painful wait for VAR, the verdict came in favor of Japan.
Spain pressed hard for a draw but despite holding possession, they failed to break down the Japanese wall.
Japan survived worrying moments late in the match to record a famous victory. It did not matter that Germany had defeated Costa Rica in the second game. A week after upsetting Germany, they dealt a major blow, this time by knocking them out of the World Cup.