Doha: The Asian teams are going great guns at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Two days after lowly Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina in Group E, it was Japan’s turn to humble four-time world champions Germany 2-1 on Wednesday.
Just like Argentina led by a Lionel Messi penalty at half-time before losing the plot on Monday, Germany too squandered a first-half lead to surrender the initiative in the last quarter of the match.
Ilkay Gundogan converted a penalty in the 33rd minute as Germany totally dominated the first 45 minutes. Despite creating multiple opportunities, an insurance goal however eluded the European powerhouse.
Germany had the better of exchanges in the early part of the second session as well, but Japan defended well. Not losing a chance to counter-attack and show their attacking skills, the pacy Japanese wingers and midfielders came hard at the German defence as the match progressed.
The experienced Manuel Neuer pulled off an incredible one-handed reflex save before Japan found the equaliser through Ritsu Doan in the 75th minute. Takuma Asano pushed the final nail in Germany’s coffin with a delicate finish in the 83rd minute.
