The FIFA World Cup 2022 witnessed the second major upset of the tournament as Germany went down 2-1 to Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Wednesday.
Goals from substitute Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano in the last 15 minutes helped Japan beat four-time champions Germany 2-1 in their World Cup Group E opener.
The Germans dominated the contest after Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda fouled wing back David Raum, but the second goal never came, taking the lead with a 33rd-minute penalty from Ilke Guendogen.
Twitter users could not contain their joy over the outrage and lauded the Asian nation for “pulling a Saudi Arabia”.
“These world leaders of football are scratching their heads by so-called minnows. First it was Argentina with Messi cornered by lowly Saudi Arabia. Now the 4-time champions are crushed by Japan. This is a World Cup like no other” Is.” tweeted one Twitter user.
The defeat in the opening match of a major championship was the third in a row for Germany after losing to Mexico at the 2018 World Cup, when they lost in the first round as reigning champions, and to France at Euro 2020.
Germany looked to be in complete command in the Group E clash, but with each missed chance, left the door open for Japan, who showed almost nothing in attack until a series of substitutions injected some energy into the second half. branch.
Doon equalized in the 75th minute, after Asano showed good control and slotted the winner from a tight angle – causing an explosion of jubilation among the Japan bench.
It was a turnaround that barely seemed believable as Japan struggled for footing for most of the game.
