By Victor Kanayo
The ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup is appearing as one that would produce more stunning comeback moments, after the competition produced another shocking result between Germany and Japan.
The match has just ended on Wednesday November 23 with the Japanese beating the Germans, four-time World Cup winner 2-1 inside Khalifa International Stadium Qatar, just two days after Saudi Arabia did same to another favourites Argentina.
The Japanese national team thought they were ahead in the early stages of the game when Daizen Maeda put the ball in the net only for it to be ruled out for offside.
The Germans afterward took the initiative immediately and 19-year-old Jamal Musiala went close for Die Mannschaft.
The opening eventually came when Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan converted from the penalty spot.
Kai Havertz also had his goal ruled out by VAR for offside just before halftime.
The second half however, took a different approach when the Japanese took the game to the Germans and heroic saves from Shūichi Gonda.
They were able to equalise from the boot of Ritsu Doan in the 75th minute.
Former Arsenal player Takuma Asano gave the Asians a historic victory seven minutes from normal time.
Germany dominated a frenetic match for large spells but failed to capitalise on their pressure – before Japan caused the encounter to erupt into a mix of mixed celebration and surprise.
The Germans who finished bottom of their group in Russia in 2018, had missed several chances to take possession of the game.
They face stiff opposition in Group E with 2010 winners Spain to come on Sunday, then a final group game against Costa Rica.
With Costa Rica and Spain still to play later on Wednesday day, the Japanese can start to dream of playing at the knockout stages of the World Cup.
