A stunning late comeback from Japan saw four-time winners Germany fall to a shock defeat in their opening World Cup game in Qatar.
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| Image: Doan celebrates after scoring Japan's equaliser |
Germany dominated a frenetic match for large spells but failed to capitalise on their pressure - before Japan caused the Khalifa International Stadium to erupt into a mix of celebration and surprise.
Substitute Takuma Asano squeezed in a thumping strike from a tight angle to make it 2-1 to Japan and ran over to the photographers in the corner of the stadium in sheer delight.
There was a collective pause in the arena as the ball rolled down from the roof of the net before supporters realised it had gone in.
Japan humbling of Germany shows 'beauty of football'
Big moments in the game...
7th min: Maeda’s early goal ruled out for offside.
32nd min: Germany awarded penalty after Gonda foul on Raum, scored by Gundogan.
45+3 min: Havertz’s goal also ruled out for offside.
61st min: Gundogan sees his effort hit the post.
75th min: Doan scores the equaliser for Japan shortly after coming on as a substitute.
83rd min: Asano scores the winner for Japan after a long ball over the top.
How Japan evolved:
Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan had given Germany the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, before Japan substitute Ritsu Doan equalised in the 75th minute.
The equaliser came after a string of stunning saves at each end - Japan's Shuichi Gonda pulling off a double stop to deny Serge Gnabry and Jonas Hofmann, before Germany's Manuel Neuer got his fingertips to Junya Ito's effort.
Germany, who finished bottom of their group in Russia in 2018, had missed several chances to extend their lead when the score was 1-0.
They face stiff opposition in Group E with 2010 winners Spain to come on Sunday, then a final group game against Costa Rica.
Before kick-off, Germany's players put their hands over their mouths during a team photo and in the stands a German government minister, Nancy Faeser, wore the OneLove armband.
It comes after news the German football federation (DFB) is investigating whether it is legal for Fifa to threaten players with sanction for wearing the OneLove armband in Qatar.
The DFB later tweeted that human rights are "non-negotiable" and "we stand by our position".
Flashbacks for Germany as Japan celebrate memorable win
The misery of Germany's early exit from the World Cup in Russia could not be forgotten as Hansi Flick's side trudged off the field at full-time having suffered defeat at the hands of Asian opposition again.
Their supporters had arrived in hope more than expectation that their young stars would lead them into a new era.
Japan were relentless in energy and refused to give in, despite Germany controlling large spells.
There was a ripple of anxiety in the final moments from the Japan supporters at the opposite end to Gonda's goal as Germany's Leon Goretzka struck wide and goalkeeper Neuer came up for consecutive corners to try to salvage a dramatic equaliser.
However, Japan held on and, as the final whistle went, the players in the dugout raced on to the pitch to celebrate and flags were waved gleefully in the stands.
They had caused problems for Germany in the first half as Celtic forward Daizen Maeda had a goal disallowed for offside, before Germany's Kai Havertz also one chalked off for the same reason.
Gundogan and Antonio Rudiger both missed the target with decent chances in the first half, while midfielder Joshua Kimmich was denied twice by Gonda.
Gundogan coolly slotted his penalty down the middle after David Raum had been pushed down by Gonda to give Germany a deserved lead, but they were made to pay for their missed chances.
Bayern Munich teenager Jamal Musiala beat four players in the box only to blast an effort over the bar early in the second half, before Goretzka shot wide in the final moments.
Opta stats - Japan's historic win
Japan came from behind to win a World Cup match for the very first time, having drawn two and lost 11 of their 13 matches when they had trailed before today.
Having lost their opening game at just one of their first 18 World Cup tournaments (W13 D4), Germany have lost their first game at each of the last two World Cups.
Through Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano, Japan became the first side to have two substitutes score in a single World Cup game against Germany.
Since 1966, only Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi in 2006 (10 vs Brazil) has made more saves in a single World Cup game for Japan than the eight Shuichi Gonda made today.
What does the result mean?
Spain and Costa Rica play at 4pm, which will give a better view of where both teams sit in Group E. However, immediately after the game, Germany were bottom of the table with Japan top.
Both teams play again on Saturday as Germany take on Spain - which had been viewed as a shootout for first and second spot in the group, but could now see Germany on the verge of an exit if they lose - while Japan face Costa Rica.
In the final group games on Thursday December 1, Germany will play Costa Rica while Spain face Japan, who will be hoping to cause another upset against one of Europe's most successful sides.
SEE OTHER WORLD CUP RESULTS:
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