Japan defeated Spain in their FIFA World Cup 2022 match in Qatar on Thursday, preventing Germany from advancing to the knockout rounds.
Although the Spaniards took an early lead, the underdog Samurai Blue managed to score two goals in the first seven minutes of the second half.
Ritsu Doan first scored to tie the game, then Ao Tanaka scored the next goal, placing Japan in the lead.
Although Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2, Japan’s win over Spain eliminated Germany from the knockout rounds.
Spain, who defeated Costa Rica in its first game 7-0, will be advancing to the knockout rounds.
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The Group E win means Japan will be facing Croatia in the Round of 16 as the European country tied with Belgium on Thursday morning.
“Coach Moriyasu and the players were under a lot of pressure, but they did a great job in the biggest game of the season,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tweeted. “I would like to express my sincere respect for your efforts. And I would like to share the joy of making it through the group stage with the people of Japan.”
Japan also upset Germany 2-1 during their World Cup match last month but lost to Costa Rica 0-1.
The Japan men’s national team has made the Round of 16 in four of their last six World Cup appearances but have never won it all.
Featured Image via Getty
