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Qatar 2022: Japan Stuns Germany By 2 Goals To 1
Germany’s inaugural World Cup game in Qatar ended in an unexpected loss thanks to a spectacular late comeback from Japan.
The Khalifa International Stadium erupted into mixed celebration and surprise when Japan won a frantic encounter that Germany dominated for long stretches but failed to capitalize on their pressure.
As a matter of fact, substitute Takuma Asano raced up to the photographers in the stadium’s corner in utter joy after squeezing in a thunderous goal from a tight angle to give Japan a 2-1 lead.
Before the crowd realized the ball had gone in, it rolled down from the roof of the net, causing a momentary pause in the stadium.
Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City had given Germany the lead from the penalty spot in the first half before Ritsu Doan of Japan, a substitute, tied the score in the 75th minute.
The goal was scored after a series of incredible saves at each end, including a double save by Japan’s Shuichi Gonda to stop Serge Gnabry and Jonas Hofmann and a save by Germany’s Manuel Neuer to stop Junya Ito.
When the score was 1-0, Germany, who placed last in their group in Russia in 2018, had numerous opportunities to increase their lead.
In Group E, they will face tough competition from 2010 group champions Spain on Sunday before playing Costa Rica in the group’s final match.
