1st December, 2022
Japan created another upset at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar as they beat Spain 2-1 to finish as Group E winner.
Japan had in their first match in the group shocked Germany 2-1 and were themselves shocked 0-1 loss to Costa Rica.
In Thursday’s last Group game, everyone expected Spain to win and top the group, but it was the Japanese that created the upset.
Spain scored first on 11th minute. Cesar Azpilicueta showcased his great technique and produced a beautiful lofted cross into the box.
Alvaro Morata met the cross and got himself onto the scoresheet with a header down into the middle of the net.
Japan hit back on 48th minute. Ritsu Doan lashed the ball with incredible pace and power inside the right post.
Three minutes later, Japan made it 2-1 and held on till the end. Kaoru Mitoma passed the ball to the feet of Ao Tanaka, who had an empty net in front of him and had no problem in tapping the ball in.
Marco Asensio got into a good scoring position on 90th minute. He created some space for himself and tried his luck from distance. His decent effort towards the bottom left corner was, however, superbly saved by Shuichi Gonda.
That same minute, Dani Olmo latched on to a precise pass and one-on-one with the keeper slammed the ball towards the middle of the goal. Shuichi Gonda was alert and made an easy save to deny him.