It has been a World Cup of shocks so far in Qatar and today was no exception. What can be regarded as a “result of the day” was recorded when Japan came from behind to defeat former world champions Germany 2 – 1 at the Khalifa International Stadium this afternoon.
The Japanese national team thought they were ahead in the early stages of the game when Daizen Maeda put the ball in the net only for it to be ruled out for offside.
The Germans afterward took the initiative immediately and 19-year-old Jamal Musiala went close for Die Mannschaft. The opening eventually came when Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan converted from the penalty spot. Kai Havertz also had his goal ruled out by VAR for offside just before halftime.
The second half was however took a different approach when the Japanese took the game to the Germans and heroic saves from Shūichi Gonda. They were able to equalize from the boot of Ritsu Doan in the 75th minute. Former Arsenal player Takuma Asano gave the Asians a historic victory 7 minutes from normal time.
With Costa Rica and Spain still to play later today, the Japanese can start to dream of playing at the knockout stages of the World Cup.
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