• Match review
  • World Cup 2022

Spain 1-2 Japan: Samurai Blues stun Spain in crazy Group E night

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La Roja qualified to the last-16 round despite their defeat as Germany crashed out of the tournament.

Spain lost 2-1 against Japan in their final group-stage game on Thursday. The Samurai Blues pulled off another miracle win to eliminate Germany from the tournament.

Germany are out of World Cup!

Spain started off by dominating the possession, looking for a quick breakthrough.

La Roja got exactly what they were looking for when Alvaro Morata put them ahead with a header.

Spain then continued their attack throughout the first period but had no luck in converting their chances.

Elsewhere in the group, Germany defeated Costa Rica 1-0 in the first half. But everything changed at the start of the second period.

Japan stunned Spain with a three-minute comeback to kick Germany out of the World Cup. Ritsu Doan first scored the equalizer for Japan in the 48th minute.

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The Samurai Blues then scored their match-winner through Ao Tanaka, but it looked as if the ball had gone out in the buildup.

A quick review by VAR then showed the ball was on the line when Kaoru Mitoma gave the assist.

Spain rushed to get back into the game but faced Japan’s solid defence. The Samurai Blues fought until the last minute to qualify as the group leaders in the end.

Germany defeated Costa Rica 4-2 in a dramatic game. But that wasn’t enough to stop Die Mannschaft’s elimination from the World Cup.

Spain reached the next round as the Group E runner-ups. La Roja will face Morocco in the next round while Japan lock horns with Croatia.

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