After Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina, Qatar 2022 saw not just another shock, but another come-from-behind upset with the supposed minnow, Japan, upending the heavy favorite, Germany 2-1 on Wednesday.
Like Argentina, Germany went ahead in the first half via a Ilkay Gündogan penalty, but substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano struck in the last 15 minutes to turn the tie on its head.
Japan’s 2-1 victory underscores just how shaky this Germany side have become, particularly when they appear in control.
Four years ago, Japan were on the verge of knocking out Belgium and advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals. This time, they began with arguably the biggest shock result they have ever garnered, over four-time world champions Germany. But their 2-1 win owes a lot to this side’s ability to remain calm and make the sort of substitutions that change games.
Meanwhile, Spain put up a masterclass performance as they thrashed hapless Costa Rica 7-0 to claim their biggest ever World Cup win and took pole position in Group E, yesterday.Dani Olmo opened the scoring with a neat turn and finish on 11 minutes to hand Spain an early lead at the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar, and Marco Asensio doubled their advantage 10 minutes later with a well-taken finish from a Jordi Alba cross.
Costa Rica provided little in response, and their task became harder on 31 minutes when Alba was brought down by defender Oscar Duarte in the box, with Ferran Torres converting the ensuing penalty.
Torres added his second on 54 minutes when he took advantage of some sloppy Costa Rica defending before Gavi added another with a superb volley, becoming the youngest World Cup scorer since Pele in 1954. Striker Carlos Soler came off the bench and netted Spain’s sixth on 90 minutes, while fellow substitute Alvaro Morata scored a seventh moments later.
Spain, who last won the World Cup in 2010, face Germany on Sunday — a now pivotal game for Germany after a shock defeat to Japan.
Today’s Matches
Switzerland v Cameroon (11:00am)
Uruguay v South Korea (2:00pm)
Portugal v Ghana (5:00pm)
Brazil v Serbia (8:00pm)
Yesterday’s Results
Tunisia 0-0 Croatia
Germany 1-2 Japan
Spain 7-0 Costa Rica
Belgium 1-0 Canada
