MADRID, Spain.- The German team, four times World Cup soccer champions, fell to a surprising Japan at the start of Group E on Wednesday.
Using a strategy of short and deep touches, the team led by Hansi Flick managed to take the lead 1-0 in the first half, thanks to a penalty from Ilkay Gundogan. In the first 45 minutes they had almost 80 percent possession of the ball, and several chances to concede the ball; but they failed to materialize.
In the second half of the match at the Khalifa Stadium, the Japanese knew how to play their game, not forgive Germany’s mistakes and turn the score around, after Hajime Moriyasu’s successful substitutions.
Despite the save by the stellar German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the 75th minute, a few moments later Ritsu Doan managed to finish off a pass from Minamino and give the Japanese a tie. While in minute ’85 Takuma Asano put the score 1-2, achieving the victory of Japan.
With this defeat, Germany will have to show its best side against Spain next Sunday. While Japan will seek a historic classification to the group stage against the Costa Rica of Luis Fernández Suárez.
After beating Saudi Arabia over Argentina this TuesdayThis is the second big surprise of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The albiceleste, captained by Leo Messi and led by Lionel Scaloni, in the first match of Group C of the Soccer World Cup, opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a penalty goal scored by Messi. In the first half, as expected, the Argentines dominated the match.
But after starting the second half, the players led by the Frenchman Hervé Renard scored two goals separated by only five minutes from each other, to turn the game around with a historic comeback.
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