Meanwhile, for the Japanese, the inmates turned it around Ritsu Doan Y Takuma Asanoat 30 and 38 minutes of the second stage, respectively.
The match was played at the Khalifa International stadium and was refereed by Salvadoran Iván Barton.
Once again, the German team stumbled, which four years ago, in Russia-2018, began the defense of its 2014 title with a 1-0 defeat against Mexico and ended up being eliminated in the first round.
How was Germany vs Japan?
On the field, Germany, well planted and superior, multiplied the chances and left few options for an inferior Japanese team, which nevertheless took advantage of their rival’s overconfidence to turn the game around in eight minutes.
The match had started hot due to its preview. Hours before the start, some media announced that the German captain Manuel Neuer would finally wear the colored armband against discrimination.
Seven European federations, including the German one, planned to wear it in Qatar but withdrew on Monday due to the threat of unspecified “sports sanctions” from FIFA.
Finally, the Mannschaft’s protest gesture consisted of the players covering their mouths in the traditional group photo prior to the match. Opposite, in the stands of the Khalifa stadium and its 40,000 spectators, watched the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino.
Once the game began, Germany was beyond reproach until the 75th minute.
His chances began to arrive after the first quarter of an hour. Antonio Rudiger headed near a post after a corner (17) and then the media Joshua Kimmich (20) and Gundogan (28 and 29), owners of the rhythm of the game, tried their luck from afar.
By this time Japan was beginning to crack and Kimmich opened classily to the left where full-back David Raum appeared to cut past Japan keeper Shuichi Gonda, who came out wild to bring him down.
On his third attempt, this time from the penalty spot, Gundogan managed to open the scoring with a dry shot down the middle.
With around 70% possession, in a comfortable setting, Germany went for the second and Kai Havertz managed to celebrate (45), but it was annulled due to an offside signal indicated by VAR.
The staging of Japan, with five Bundesliga players in its eleven, was disappointing. His only approach in the first half was a deflected header from Daizen Maeda on the last play before the break.
Gundogan ran into the post (58) and Serge Gnabry had a double chance, shot and header (68), but everything changed after a miraculous hand from Neuer in minute 74.
Germany broke down and Japan delivered the big blow. First Doan, who had come on four minutes earlier, took advantage of a rebound from the keeper and then Asano signed the play of the game to seal the unexpected comeback.
In discount, Leon Goretzka had a ball to tie, but his shot went wide.
It was the second consecutive loss for a world champion in Qatar 2022 after Argentina fell 2-1 to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, also going ahead on a penalty.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
