Japan’s Late goals comeback stuns Germany, secures victory at 2022 FIFA World Cup
stunning late comeback from Japan saw four-time winners Germany fall to a shock defeat in their opening World Cup game in Qatar.
Germany dominated a frenetic match for large spells but failed to capitalise on their pressure - before Japan caused the Khalifa International Stadium to erupt into a mix of celebration and surprise.
Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan had given Germany the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, before Japan substitute Ritsu Doan equalised in the 75th minute.
The equaliser came after a string of stunning saves at each end - Japan's Shuichi Gonda pulling off a double stop to deny Serge Gnabry and Jonas Hofmann, before Germany's Manuel Neuer got his fingertips to Junya Ito's effort.
Germany, who finished bottom of their group in Russia in 2018, had missed several chances to extend their lead when the score was 1-0.
Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton ruled out a goal by Japan striker Maeda in the 5th minute for offside, and a goal by Germany striker Kai Havertz in the fourth minute of stoppage time for the first half.
With this result, the Japanese national team leads the table in Group E with 3 points, while the German national team is at the bottom of the group without a balance of points before facing Spain and Costa Rica today.
Germany will participate in the 20th edition of the World Cup after qualifying for all tournaments except for the 1930 and 1950 tournaments, and winning the title four times, 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014.
While the Japanese national team is participating in the 2022 World Cup for the seventh time in a row, where there was a tournament that was held on its land and in the midst of its fans.