Germany vs Japan Archives

Japan strike late to shock Germany in FIFA WC

DOHA: Japan fired back-to-back strikes in eight second-half minutes to shock former champions Germany 2-1 in their opening Group E encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2022, here on Wednesday.

The four-time champions Germany endured a frustrating opening defeat to start their world cup campaign as Japan stunned Hansi Flick’s side 2-1.

Germany had a quite convincing start to their campaign when Ilkay Gundogan provided them with an early first-half lead as he struck on the penalty in the 33rd minute.

The former champions then managed to retain their lead and dominance over Japan for the next 50 minutes before Ritsu Doan displayed impressive reflexes to fire the ball into the nets and neutralized Germany’s lead.

Doan’s equaliser filled in the Japanese player with momentum and they began to attack the German with more intensity which took only eight more minutes to pay them as Takuma Asano breached the defence line to fire the winning goal for the Asian giants.

Asano met Kou Itakura’s long ball from a free-kick in their own half and dodged the German defender Nico Schlotterbeck with a beautiful first touch. He darted into the box and smashed a shot from a tight angle to beat the German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Japan will next face Costa Rica on Sunday, while Germany will take on Spain a day later.

READ: Pakistan lose spot to Australia in ODI rankings

FIFA WC: Germany’s Leroy Sane ruled out of Japan clash with knee injury

DOHA: Leroy Sane has been ruled out of Germany’s opening game against Japan in the FIFA World Cup 2022 as the winger sustained a knee injury in training.

Taking to Twitter, the German Football Association (DFB) on Tuesday confirmed the Bayern Munich forward’s unavailability for Wednesday’s Group E clash.

“The 26-year-old offensive player from champions FC Bayern Munich is unavailable against the four-time Asian champions due to knee problems. The remaining 25 players of the German World Cup squad took part in the final training session in Al-Shamal.” read the statement issued by DFB.

“After lunch, the four-time world champions’ squad head to Qatar’s capital, Doha, where captain Manuel Neuer and company will spend the night before the opening game,” it added.

With ten goals and six assists in 19 games, he played for Bayern across all competitions this season, Sane, 25, looked in top form as he entered Qatar to strengthen Germany’s chances to lift the trophy.

The former Manchester City winger has been a regular feature of the German team since making his debut in 2015. He appeared in 45 games for his national side, scoring 11 goals.

Germany will take on Spain and Costa Rica, respectively, in Group E after Japan clash.

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