Germany vs Japan 1-2: World Cup 2022 – as it happened
This blog is now closed, thanks for joining us. These were the updates on the Germany vs Japan World Cup 2022 match on Wednesday, November 23.
This blog is now closed, thanks for joining us. These were the updates on the Germany vs Japan World Cup 2022 match on Wednesday, November 23.
- Germany XI: Neuer, Schlotterbeck, Sule, Rudiger, Raum, Kimmich, Gundogan (Goretzka, 67′), Gnabry, Muller (Hofmann, 67′), Musiala (Gotze, 79′), Havertz (Fullkrug, 79′).
- Japan XI: Gonda, Sakai (Minamino, 74′), Itakura, Yoshida, Ito, Nagatomo (Mitoma, 57′), Endo, Tanaka (Doan, 71′), Kubo (Tomiyasu, 46′), Kamada, Maeda (Asano, 57′).
- Germany have won the World Cup four times and are making their 20th World Cup appearance. Japan did not play at a World Cup until 1998 but have qualified for all six editions since then.
- FIFA rankings: Germany (11), Japan (24).
- Live updates
- Match stats
- Lineups
Possession is not everything
Germany dominated possession and had more shots on target, but Japan showed composure in the right moments and went for the jugular when they got the chance.
Germany did not take advantage of early dominance
Germany finished the first half, boasting more than 80 percent of possession and with the lion’s share of the chances.
Even at the beginning of the second half, it looked like only a matter of time before they would score a second. But they missed chance after chance and ultimately will only have themselves to blame.
Japan did not stop pressuring and continued to go for another goal even after scoring their second. You can’t help but question whether there was a degree of complacency in this German side. Rudiger won’t enjoy looking back at his showboating.
It’s back to the drawing board for Germany
Germany now have to respond strongly in their next game against Spain on Sunday.
An opening defeat 😧#GER #FIFAWorldCup #GERJPN 1-2 pic.twitter.com/5UVgotdRMn
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) November 23, 2022
Japan deserve credit for turning the game around
Japan must have been watching Saudi Arabia’s win on repeat last night, because they managed to turn the game around after a dominant first half from Germany.
The Japanese players kept going with Ito chasing down balls and causing endless problems for the German defence. Gonda’s heroics in goal were also vital in securing Japan a well-deserved win. He will be re-watching that quadruple save for many years to come.
Japan fans will never forget this night
This will definitely go down as one of Japan’s greatest World Cup performances. They’ve shocked the four-time World Champions.
🇯🇵 Remember the name…#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/JleqDdzGjO
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 23, 2022
Japan have won!
Japan have done it. Germany tried desperately to get an equaliser, but they were unable to get past a resolute Japanese defence.
Wild celebrations as Japan celebrate a historic win!
Full-time: Germany 1-2 Japan
Customary cramps from Japan
Japan’s players are falling down with those famous last-minute cramps.
96 mins: Germany 1-2 Japan
Germany looking for an equalizer
Leon Goretzka puts it wide as Germany desperately look for an equaliser.
Neuer is up for a free kick!
96 mins: Germany 1-2 Japan
Japan coach Moriyasu’s tactics pay have paid off
Both goals have been the creation of substitutions. Japan never gave up even when Germany looked to be coasting a mere 45 minutes ago.
Both goals for Japan scored by second half substitutes. For the first goal all three substitutes linked up – Mitoma, Minamino and Doan. For the second goal – HT sub Asano scores.
Let me reiterate, WONDERFUL IN-GAME MANAGEMENT FROM HAJIME MORIYASU 🇯🇵
— Atanu (@atanu_74) November 23, 2022
Germany want a penalty
There are calls for a penalty after Fullkrug goes down in the box, but the referee waves away the protests. He appeared to fall over very easily after coming under pressure from Yoshida.
93 mins: Germany 1-2 Japan
Seven minutes of injury time
Which is actually lower than average in this tournament.
90 mins: Germany 1-2 Japan
Japan call for a penalty
Doan goes down in the area after Rudiger challenges him for the ball, and there are calls for a penalty. The game is so fast-paced right now, there is no chance for us to see a replay.
87 mins: Germany 1-2 Japan
Japan take the lead!
Asano plucked a long ball out of the air with ease and ran towards the German goal leaving their defence in his wake. He smashed it in from close range leaving Neuer helpless.
Japan are in front!
82 mins: Germany 1-2 Japan
Game on!
Rudiger heads over as Germany look for a response. But it is all Japan right now. Ito is chasing down every loose ball, and Germany are now on the back foot.
81 mins: Germany 1-1 Japan
We will have an interesting last 10 minutes of the game.
Japan have improved considerably over the last 15-20 minutes and fully deserved their equaliser.
JAPAN HAS THEIR EQUALIZER!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kpaK94p79R
— theScore (@theScore) November 23, 2022
GOAL!
Doan scores for Japan after Neuer can only palm a Minamino shot straight into the feat of Ritsu Doan, who slots it home.
That was two of Japan’s subs combining to score Japan’s equaliser. Game on!
75 mins: Germany 1-1 Japan
Heroics from Neuer
Eto latched onto a long ball and fires towards Germany’s goal. It was a fine shot, but WHAT a save! That is one for the mantlepiece. A reflex, outstretched hand stops it from going in.
73 mins: Germany 1-0 Japan
Gonda makes up for earlier error
Japan goalkeeper Gonda made a save which almost certainly kept his side alive in this game.
A string of vital saves from Gonda
Gonda just made four incredible saves, including a double save from Gnabry. That was heroic stuff.
69 mins: Germany 1-0 Japan
Japan have some of the best-dressed fans
It’s safe to say that Japan have some of the best-dressed fans we have seen so far at the World Cup.
Chance for Japan
The ball fell to an unmarked Itakura from a corner, but he was far from the goal and could only guide the ball gently towards the German goal. It is easily cleared by Schlotterbeck.
Rudiger the joker
Rudiger lightens the mood by lifting his legs up in a playful fashion while seeing the ball out. He gives a cheeky grin – what composure on the big stage!
64 mins: Germany 1-0 Japan
End to end stuff now
Germany and Japan are trading counterattacks now. Gnabry gives away possession, and Japan counters with Asano eventually blasting over.
62 mins: Germany 1-0 Japan
What could have been
Had Musiala scored with that attempt, it could have opened his World Cup scoring account and been a contender for goal of the tournament.
What a goal that could've been…. pic.twitter.com/f4PfQpxXij
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 23, 2022
Gundogan hits the post!
Musiala played a direct ball to Gundogan, who found himself in space just outside the area. He delicately passed it towards the goal, hitting the outside of the right post.
59 mins: Germany 1-0 Japan