Japan already knew they had their work cut out for them, being paired in a group with soccer powerhouses Germany and Spain. But Japan entered their opening contest of the 2022 FIFA World Cup without fear to score two late goals and cap a comeback victory over Germany.
Four minutes after being subbed on, Ritsu Dōan scored the equalizer for Japan in an attack that consisted of five Japanese players in the box, with Dōan getting the rebound.
JAPAN TIES IT AGAINST GERMANY 😱🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/tWjh7omItR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 23, 2022
It was a beautiful team goal but Japan wasn’t done.
Just eight minutes later, fellow substitute Takuma Asano scored after perfectly trapping a long ball while physically keeping Nico Schlotterbeck behind him and then beating German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer on the near post. After then, it was Japan on the defensive as they held on for the 2-1 win over the four time World Cup champs.
JAPAN TAKES THE LEAD
JAPAN TAKES THE LEAD
JAPAN TAKES THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/V5Jzmnc8cJ— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 23, 2022
This adds to the pre-World Cup uncertainty for Germany, who have been struggling on the main stage over the last four years. In the 2018 World Cup, Germany disappointed by scoring three points and finishing last in their group. At Euro 2020, Germany made the round of 16 but lost to England after finishing runner-up to France in their group.
Many were amazed by what Japan did to rocket to the top of Group E.
What a comeback!
Let’s go Japan!!!
— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) November 23, 2022
Japan in the second-half pic.twitter.com/a9sqVA4El5
— 433 (@433) November 23, 2022
Japan have scored 2 goals at the World Cup so far, both from substitutes. They are the only team with 100% of their goals coming from the bench.
Impact. 💥 pic.twitter.com/2AJxexxvXr
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 23, 2022
Yesterday Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 provided the shock of the day.
Today Japan 🇯🇵 did that as they defeated Germany 🇩🇪 2-1. What a second half comeback. #WorldcupQatar2022 pic.twitter.com/j2JwV1Oqsm
— Mimi Fawaz (@MimosaFawaz) November 23, 2022
Japan’s manager team talk at half time pic.twitter.com/d3WWMtGJyo
— Mod (@CFCMod_) November 23, 2022
🇯🇵 For the first time, Japan wins a World Cup game after conceding the first goal (1W-2D-7L),
🇩🇪 Germany had been unbeaten in 25 straight World Cup games when scoring first (23 wins), last losing to Bulgaria in the 1994 quarters.
— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) November 23, 2022
Japan surprising the whole world man. This is what the world cup is all about. What a performance
— Conn (@ConnCFC) November 23, 2022
Japan follows on the heels of fellow Asian country Saudi Arabia. In similar fashion just the day before, Saudi Arabia overcame a one goal deficit from a first half penalty kick to score twice in the second half and defeat Argentina.
Japan will face Costa Rica with a chance to likely clinch a knockout stage berth before going to play Spain in the final group stage game.
About Phillip Bupp
Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.
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