Japan stuns Germany 2-1

KATHMANDU: Japan opened its 2022 World Cup campaign with a victory, defeating four-time champions Germany 2-1 at the Khalifa Stadium on Wednesday.

Ilkay Gundogan gave Germany the lead from the spot in the 10th minute. But Japan scored two magnificent goals in the second half to leave Hansi Flick’s side stunned.

Substitutions worked wonders for the Asian side as substitute strikers Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano found the back of the German net twice in 15 minutes.

Ritsu Doan equalized for Japan in the 75th minute after German Keeper Manuel Neuer’s directed Takumi Minamino’s powerful shot in his path.

Takuma Asano then superbly controlled Ko Itakura’s assist inside the box and fired to the top right corner to give Japan its first-ever victory against Germany.

Japan soaked German pressure for the remaining seven minutes of the regulation time plus seven added minutes to win the most remarkable victory ever.