In a scenario surprisingly reminiscent of the match lost to Argentina on Monday, Germany was overthrown this Wednesday by Japan (1-2), for its entry into the 2022 World Cup.
Another surprise in this 2022 World Cup! The day after a thunderclap in the form of Argentina’s defeat against Saudi Arabia (1-2), it was another multiple winner of the competition who fell from the start. This Wednesday, Manuel Neuer’s Germany was defeated by Japan (1-2). And there again, the scenario was totally stunning, surprisingly reminiscent of that experienced the day before by Lionel Messi and his family.
Because it was first the “big guy” who opened the brand, the team taking the advantage thanks to a goal from Ilkay Gundogan (1-0, 33rd). On penalty. Like Lionel Messi for Argentina. A few minutes later, the Germans scored a second time, but Kai Havertz’s goal was disallowed for a logical offside. Like Lautaro Martinez for Argentina. And in terms of statistics, Japan in the first period did not exist (19% possession of the ball, only one shot… off target) like the Saudis a day earlier.
Japan reverses the situation
In the second half, the similarities did not stop there. If Germany was infinitely more inspired offensively than Argentina, it was indeed a fiery reaction from the outsider that the public at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha could see. In the 75th minute of play, Ristu Doan capsized the Japanese supporters for the first time by equalizing on a ball poorly cleared by Manuel Neuer (1-1). And less than ten minutes later, Takuma Asano offered a huge technical number by passing a control in the middle of the race before lodging the ball in a microscopic space between his direct opponent and Neuer (1-2, 83rd). An individual feat. Another resemblance to the Argentina-Saudi Arabia match.
Madness among Japanese fans. Stupor on the German side. A final opportunity in stoppage time for Leon Goretzka (90th + 5), and finally a victory for Japan. Explosion of joy on all sides among the Japanese for a final parallel with the Saudi exploit of the day before. In the Group E standings, Hajime Mariyasu’s men temporarily take first place. Germany will have to react on Sunday, and it will not be easy since the team will be opposed to Spain! The Japanese will seek their side to confirm against Costa Rica.
