Four years after failing to make it out of the group stage in 2018, Germany’s 2022 World Cup journey has gotten off to a shocking start.
Germany allowed two late second-half goals as Hansi Flick’s squad was stunned 2-1 by Japan on Wednesday. The Germans opened the scoring on a penalty kick by Ilkay Gundogan in the 33rd minute and had several opportunities to extend their lead in a match in which they held 74% of total possession and fired 26 shots (nine on goal). However, Japan would find the equalizer in the 75th minute on a goal by substitute Ritsu Doan before grabbing the lead just eight minutes later following a tremendous strike from fellow-sub Takuma Asano.
It’s Japan’s first-ever victory over Germany and yet another astounding result in this year’s tournament after Argentina was upset 2-1 by Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Germany now faces a must-win situation Sunday versus Spain, while Japan battles Costa Rica.
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