Sports

Just like Argentina! Germany stunned by Japan fightback in latest World Cup 2022 shock

Published

2 years ago

November 23, 2022

Another day, another World Cup shock.

Germany arrived in Qatar among the pre-tournament favourites, but two Japan stars plying their trade in the Bundesliga, Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano, both scored in the space of eight second-half minutes to put Hansi Flick’s side on the verge of elimination after just one game..

Germany had taken the lead in the first period, Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan coolly scoring from the penalty spot. And they had looked like easing to victory in the opening 60 minutes, with the Japanese seemingly overawed by the occasion.

However, they failed to banish the ghosts of Russia 2018 – when, as holders, they exited at the group stage – as they proved incapable of pressing home their advantage, missing a plethora of golden chances; Gundogan notably hit the post in the 60th minute, Kai Havertz had a goal disallowed for offside and Jamal Musiala fired over after a brilliant jinking run.

Japan were reinvigorated as head coach Hajime Moriyasu freshened things up with a number of attacking changes which, ultimately, paid off as they brutally punished Flick’s side for their failure to convert in the final third.

Manuel Neuer had made one brilliant point-blank save to keep Germany in front, keeping out a deflected Junyo Ito effort, but when he denied Taki Minamino from close range, the ball fell kindly for Doan, who couldn’t miss from six yards in the 75th minute.

And eight minutes later, Asano, too hot to handle down the Japan right for much of the match, fired a rocket into the roof of the net to secure a stunning comeback win for a side who managed just 26 percent possession.