The Germans had the game in their hands, but they threw it away in the closing embers
Japan came from a goal deficit to defeat Germany 2-1 in their opening game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Germany were massive favorites to beat Japan when both teams squared off at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. They proved their quality from the start, bossing possession and attacking the Japanese with purpose.
Die Mannschaft eventually got their reward in the 33rd minute after Ilkay Gundogan converted from the spot to make it 1-0.
Kai Havertz put the ball in the net just before halftime, but it was ruled out for offside.
Nonetheless, the Germans still had momentum. However, things went off the rail in the final quarter of the game.
Ritsu Doan pulled one back for Japan in the 75th minute. Germany went all out in search of an equalizer, but they were caught off-guard.
Ko Itakura slipped the ball through to Takuma Asano, who sent a superb strike into the roof of the net to make it 2-1 for Japan and turn the game on its head.
Germany pressed hard for an equalizer, but the Japanese held on strong to see out the result.
Japan’s victory is the second upset at the World Cup after Argentina’s shocking loss to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Following the results, fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup but after the recent shocks, some fans believe Nigeria could have ruffled some feathers if they were present.
This world cup just dey shock person like live wire😁. Yesterday was Argentina, today own na Germany😁. Anyway, fantastic performance from Japan. #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022
— Dabosede (@Dabosede2) November 23, 2022
This World Cup get as e be oo
— TblackG (@TblackG) November 23, 2022
Sacks go plenry for Coaches after the end of their world cup run👑
Rudigar Minamino #Qatar2022 #GlazersOut #المغرب_كرواتيا #GERJPN
— ibadanPR (@industreetblogs) November 23, 2022
I think we will see many teams qualifying to the next round with 4 points ish in this World Cup.
— 'Dayo (@_Paash_) November 23, 2022
Omo underdogs dey do wonder oo
Won with live odds on japan
This World Cup is getting exciting 😎💜— emmy__💜 (@__ra_chid) November 23, 2022
This year's World Cup will be full of surprises. 😂😂 https://t.co/dnneBQ1lvA pic.twitter.com/toNdCQxzlP
— JustCaleb𓃵 (@CalebOlorogun) November 23, 2022
World Cup of upsets
First Argentina, now Germany😂#FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 #— Ògá 'Kúnlé (@kunssky) November 23, 2022
Argentina and Germany no come world cup….na training dem still dey do!! 🤣
— Oladotun Abimbola (@scomeh7) November 23, 2022
I no know why world cup just dey sweet my belle thank God Nigeria🇳🇬 no qualify dem go just spoil persin happiness
thank you Saudi Arabia🇸🇦
thank you japan🇯🇵
Iku pa Argentina🇦🇷
Iku pa Germany🇩🇪
Tani ku kan??(who's next??) pic.twitter.com/FIm0qJJNk3— Afeez Babatunde🇳🇬🇧🇷 (@Alaaviz9949) November 23, 2022
A world cup of Upsets, things I love to see #FIFAWorldCup #JPN
— Oluwatobi Ayinde (@Theayindetobi) November 23, 2022
Tears go too flow for this world cup 😂😂😂😂 #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022
— XM4 (@drSoleus1892) November 23, 2022
If Nigeria had gone to the World Cup, we would probably have shocked the world too 👀
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) November 23, 2022
Anybody can beat iyalaya anybody for this World Cup 😂😂😂😂
— UNLIMITED_8345 (@adedeji8345) November 23, 2022
