MY ACCOUNT
Germany became the latest footballing giant to suffer a surprise defeat at Qatar 2022 as Japan came from behind to snatch a dramatic 2-1 triumph.
Second-half strikes from Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano cancelled out Ilkay Gundogan’s first-half penalty, sealing a result that puts Hansi Flick’s men in serious jeopardy.
We assess the key talking points from a memorable encounter.
Making a statement
Before a ball was even kicked, Germany’s players ensured they would make global headlines by carrying out a powerful pre-match gesture.
In wake of FIFA’s announcement that any players wearing the OneLove armband — designed to promote diversity and inclusion — would be booked, the German starting XI responded by covering their mouths for the team photo.
In a statement on Twitter, the German football federation (DFB) explained: “Human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.”
Shaky defence
As four-time champions of the world, Germany traditionally know a thing or two about grinding out results — but this current crop look rather vulnerable at the back.
Fears held by some critics coming into the tournament over a shaky defence were proven to be accurate, as the Samurai Blue effortlessly carved out chance after chance in the second period.
The winning goal, coming via a simple ball over the top, was as straightforward a build-up as you are likely to see and will give Flick and his coaches cause for concern.
Underrated Japan
Since qualifying for their first World Cup in 1998, Japan boast a 50% record of making it out of the group — and they now stand a great chance of improving that impressive ratio further.
Considered by most to be nothing more than a stern test for Germany and Spain in Group E, Hajime Moriyasu’s men now know that victory over Costa Rica on Sunday gives them a huge chance of progression.
Comfortable out of possession and tantalising on the counter-attack, this Japan side will now be wondering just how far their Qatar journey can span.
Group of death
If Japan do go on to progress, it will spell an unexpected early exit for one of the group’s two European powerhouses.
Before this afternoon’s contest, Spain and Germany were both among bookmakers’ top five favourites to lift the trophy — rendering a potential group-stage exit for either side as disastrous.
Suddenly, what already looked a tasty Sunday evening meeting between the pair could now end up acting as a killer blow for the loser.
