Follow usJapan scored twice early in the second half to come from behind to beat Spain 2-1 in Group E on Thursday and reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Another famous Japan win sees them top a wild Group E 🇯🇵@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022
Alvaro Morata put Spain in front in the 11th minute at Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday, but Japan rallied after halftime.
Ritsu Doan, who came on as a substitute at halftime, levelled the score with a left-footed shot from outside the box three minutes after the break, and Ao Tanaka added the second one from close range a few minutes later.
It took about two minutes for video review officials to confirm the ball had not gone out of bounds before the goal.
Group E we will never forget you. ❤️#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022
Japan finished top of the standings in Group E, with Spain finishing second on goal difference – consigning Germany to elimination, despite a 4-2 win over Costa Rica on Thursday.
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰𝒕 𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 🇯🇵#JPN | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/TiMUVUkz8m
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022
It was a dramatic finale to the group with qualification within sight for all four teams in the final stretch of both games.
Japan will play Croatia for a place at the quarter-finals while Spain face Morocco.
