Battling Japan stun Germany 2-1 in thrilling turnaround

Japan notched one of the biggest shocks at the 2022 World Cup on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over four-times world champions Germany thanks to a scintillating second half comeback in their Group E opener at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Japan beat Germany.@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 23, 2022

After 33 minutes Ilkay Gundogan scored Germany’s first goal of the tournament to give his side a 1-0 lead, converting a penalty after David Raum was brought down in the penalty area by Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda.

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But Japan threw caution to the wind at the start of the second half, charging at Germany’s defense.

First, substitute Ritsu Doan levelled the score from close range after 75 minutes.

Then,with just nine minutes of regular time left, Takuma Asano sprung free down the right-hand side, and even under defensive pressure gave keeper Manuel Neuer no chance with a precise shot from a tight angle.

The Germans came inches away from tying it up in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, with Leon Goretzka firing wide.

Spain play Costa Rica in the other Group E game.