Japan has defied the odds to emerge victorious over Spain and seal a spot in the World Cup round of 16. At the same time, Germany failed to make it past the group stage for the second successive tournament.
They say lightning doesn’t strike twice at the same spot, but tonight it did at the Khalif international stadium when Japan — of the tournament’s dark horses — orchestrated their second upset of the 22nd edition of the tournament by sending Germany home.
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Spain completed 1058 passes to Japan’s 228 and had 91% possession in the game, proving that it is not how much possession a team has but what it does with it.
Despite Germany winning Costa Rica 4-2, qualification at this point was beyond their reach and all for Japan to lose.
In the first half, things didn’t pan out as planned for Samurai Blue coach Hajime Moriyasu after Alvaro Morata’s well-timed header beat the offside trap to score just 10 minutes into the game.
Moriyasu’s tactical changes finally paid off when substitutes Ritsu Doan (48′) and Ao Tanaka (51′) and Kaoru Mitoma, rallied Japan from behind to complete their comeback.
With three points in the bag, Japan tops Group E ahead of Spain, Germany and Costa Rica.
Japan faces Croatia in the knockout stages of the World Cup on Monday, December 5.
While Spain who will look to minimise their passes and maximise their opportunities have booked a date with Morocco who topped Group F.
