An imitation of Argentina verses Saudi Arabia’s match striked at the Khalifa International Stadium today in Group E opener.
Four times world champion Germany, were punished for being wasteful with their chances at the early stages of the game with Doan and Asano inspired victory for Japan.
Germany, the game’s favourite lived up to expectation with high production of goal scoring opportunities, but only one of those chances went into the goal post of the Japanese.
Flick’s side were dominant in both possessions and chances creation. Their creativity earned a penalty in the 33rd minute of which Ikay Gundogan beautifully sent Japan’s goalkeeper to the wrong side.
Shortly after, Kai Havertz added another goal to double the lead for the German side, but thanks to the assistance of technology (VAR), the goal was ruled offside.
The 2014 champions restarted play in the second half in a sequel of the pace they ended with the first half; but the ever running Samurai Blue bullied them in energy and pace.
Nuer led Germany continued to press the Japanese. Before Gundogan got substituted, the post denied him of a brace in the 59th minute.
Gonda, the goalkeeper of Japan defended his side in the 70th minute with four successive clinical saves.
However, the brilliant substitutes of Moriyasu did the magic for his team.
Nuer saved a shot from Minamino who came to the field in 74th minute, and Ritsu Doan, a 71st minute substitute sent a rebound to a loosely guarded net.
Takuma Asano who came in as Maeda’s replacement in the 57th minute manipulated the last magic wand to send home a shot which passed Rudiger and Nuer.
It was a fantastic day for the Japanese who worked very hard to overturn the result for a sweet victory over Germany.
Interestingly, the heroes for Japan ply their trade in the Bundesliga.
Germany face Spain in their next Group E match on Sunday, while Japan take on Costa Rica on the same day.
Author- Isaac Papa Nketsiah
