FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Group E – Japan v Spain – Khalifa Worldwide Stadium, Doha, Qatar – December 1, 2022 Japan’s Maya Yoshida and Daizen Maeda rejoice with teammates after the match as Japan qualify for the knockout levels REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
DOHA—Japan staged its second gorgeous turnaround of the World Cup to beat 2010 champions Spain 2-1 on Thursday to surge into the final 16 together with its overwhelmed opponents and dump Germany out in one of many best nights for the Samurai Blue.
Staring on the prospect of an early World Cup exit at half-time, Japan arrange a spherical of 16 conflict with Croatia – the overwhelmed finalists in 2018 – whereas Spain needed to depend on purpose distinction to edge out Germany. They now face Morocco.
Japan’s turnaround was constructed on coach Hajime Moriyasu’s revamp of his aspect on the break after they have been shedding 1-0.
On got here Ritsu Doan and inside three minutes he hammered in a shot from the sting of the field which Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon – whose poor clearance had created the hazard within the first place – couldn’t maintain out.
With Japan’s noisy touring followers barely catching their breath, Ao Tanaka scored from point-blank vary within the 51st minute, bundling the ball in after the opposite halftime sub Kaoru Mitoma lower the ball again from the byline.
The VAR system took a number of minutes to substantiate the ball had not gone out earlier than Mitoma’s contact. Replays prompt {that a} sliver of the ball had not crossed the road and the decision sparked wild celebrations much like the scenes that adopted Japan’s 2-1 comeback win over Germany final week.
“We performed towards Spain, probably the greatest groups on the planet and we knew earlier than the sport that this was going to be very robust and tough, and certainly it was,” stated Moriyasu whose aspect misplaced to Costa Rica of their second match in Qatar.
“The gamers conceded one purpose, however they endured and in very tough circumstances, they did very nicely,” he informed reporters.
TOTAL CONTROL
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Group E – Japan v Spain – Khalifa Worldwide Stadium, Doha, Qatar – December 1, 2022 Japan’s Ao Tanaka scores their second purpose REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Spain had regarded in complete management within the first half however instantly they have been those clinging to their likelihood of staying within the World Cup as Costa Rica and Germany battled out their very own drama within the different Group E match.
Germany received 4-2, a margin of victory that was not sufficiently big to maintain them within the event.
Alvaro Morata had put the Spaniards forward when he scored his third purpose in three video games in Qatar, rising above Japan’s protection to energy a header previous goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda within the eleventh minute after a cross by his former Chelsea teammate Cesar Azpilicueta.
Within the dying minutes, winger Dani Olmo got here closest to a leveler however his angled shot was simply gathered by Gonda.
The breathtaking win for Japan meant they topped Group E, adopted by Spain in second who completed forward of third-placed Germany solely on purpose distinction.
Japan followers have been in tears on the finish of the match which supplies them an opportunity to go additional than they ever have earlier than at a World Cup. Japan has beforehand reached the final 16 on three events and misplaced every time.
“There have been many followers who got here all the best way from Japan, in addition to those who stayed behind in Japan,” coach Moriyasu stated. “We’re gifting this win to the individuals of Japan and we’re very blissful about it.”
Spain coach Luis Enrique, who made 5 adjustments to his beginning aspect to offer first-choice gamers a relaxation, was removed from blissful.
“We didn’t have any hazard within the first half, then within the second half, I informed them throughout halftime to be cautious, as a result of they’d assault within the second half, they don’t have something to lose,” he stated. “I’ve nothing to rejoice.”
Japan defender Kou Itakura was proven his second yellow card of the event and shall be suspended for the Croatia match.
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