Japan pulled off an incredible 2-1 win against Germany, punishing the four-time champions for not taking their chances.
Saudi Arabia one day, Japan the next.
Asian teams produced two incredible upsets on back-to-back days at Qatar 2022. On Wednesday, Japan pulled off a stunning 2-1 win against Germany, punishing the four-time champions for not taking their chances after they dominated the first half.
Hansi Flick’s team came to Qatar under huge pressure to avoid the disaster of 2018, when they failed to make it out of the group stage in Russia as holders.
They took the lead through a first-half penalty from Ilkay Gundogan and should have been out of sight after creating a host of chances.
But Japan hung on and equalised through substitute Ritsu Doan in the 75th minute.
Takuma Asano then completed a remarkable turnaround eight minutes later, smashing the ball home to send the boisterous Japanese fans wild.
Germany’s World Cup future is now on the line, with games to come in Group E against Spain and Costa Rica.
Japan are eyeing a place in the knockout round after a dramatic comeback that scarcely looked possible at the end of the first half.
