Japan stun Germany with late strikes at World Cup

DOHA  – Goals from substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano within the final quarter-hour gave Japan a surprising 2-1 upset over four-times champions Germany of their World Cup Group E opener on Wednesday.

The Germans had dominated the competition on the Khalifa International Stadium and brought the lead with a thirty third minute penalty from Ilkay Guendogan after Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda had fouled wing again David Raum.

The second aim by no means got here, nonetheless, and Japan’s raids into the German half grew to become an increasing number of frequent, culminating in Doan’s equaliser and a superb end from Asano eight minutes later.

The defeat was the third in a row within the opening match of a serious championship for Germany after a loss to Mexico on the 2018 World Cup, once they bowed out within the first spherical as champions, and to France at Euro 2020.

-Reuters