The Samurai Blue upset Die Mannschaft in their opener
Just a day after Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina, another Asian team managed to cause an upset at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as Japan won 2-1 against European heavyweights Germany despite having only 26% possession and 1/3rd the number of shots on target.
Ilkay Gundogan gave the 2014 Champions the lead from the penalty spot after David Raum was fouled by Shuichi Gonda, the Japanese keeper. And just before the half time whistle, Kai Havertz had a goal disallowed by VAR for being in an offside position.
With 70 minutes gone on the clock, the Japanese head coach introduced Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan off the bench. And they made an instant impact as Japan got the equalizer in the 75th minute through Doan. The Freiburg man rebounded the ball into the net after Minamino's shot was saved by Neuer. Eight minutes later, another substitute, Takuma Asano, scored the winning goal with a superb touch and finish from a narrow angle.
Despite having an xG of 3.1 in this match, Germany could not find a way past Gonda as he had an amazing 89% save success rate. Another man who stood out, especially defensively, was Hiroki Sakai as he won five tackles and interceptions, four aerial duels and eight clearances.
Having shocked Die Mannschaft, Japan will be hoping to win their next game against Costa Rica and qualify for the round of 16. Meanwhile, Germany face a red hot Spain (who hit seven past Costa Rica) next in a must win encounter to give themselves any chance of progressing to the next round.