Japan vs Spain LIVE: World Cup 2022 result and reaction as Doan and Tanaka goals send Germany out
Japan staged another thrilling comeback to top Group E - with Spain through in second and Germany out
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Japan staged their second stunning turnaround of the World Cup when they beat 2010 champions Spain 2-1 on Thursday with two quick-fire goals and advanced to the last 16 along with their beaten opponents.
Going into the halftime break 1-0 down and on course for an early World Cup exit, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu reorganised his side to give them more attacking bite and within six minutes the Samurai Blue were ahead.
Ritsu Doan, one of the substitutes, hammered in a shot from the edge of the box in the 48th minute that Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon - whose poor clearance had created the danger - could not keep out. Three minutes later, Ao Tanaka scored from close range after the other halftime sub Kaoru Mitoma cut the ball back from the byline.
The breathtaking 2-1 win for Japan - who also beat Germany 2-1 after going behind in their opening match of the tournament - meant they topped Group E, followed by Spain in second who finished ahead of third-placed Germany only on goal difference.
Follow all the reaction with our live blog below
World Cup 2022: Japan 1-1 Spain (Doan 48’)
GOAL! Ristu Doan has scored with virtually his first touch!
It’s a powerful left-foot strike from the midfielder and Simon dives to his left - but can’t save it!
He should save it. But out of nothing, Japan are level!
As it stands, Germany are out!
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
Back underway in the second-half!
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
The players are back out for the second-half - but there has been a few changes!
Dani Carvajal has come on for Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back for Spain.
For Japan: Nagatomo and Kubo OFF; Doan and Mitoma ON.
Bold from Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu!
World Cup 2022: Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
In the other game in Group E, Germany have the advantage over Costa Rica.
Follow our live blog below for updates:
Costa Rica vs Germany LIVE: World Cup 2022 latest updates
Germany must defeat Costa Rica or else they will be eliminated from the World Cup
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
HALF-TIME: Alvaro Morata’s 11th minute header is the difference between the two teams - and Spain have been completely dominant at the Khalifa International Stadium!
And yet... Japan are still in this. Will they open up more as the second-half progresses? Still in the balance this one!
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
45 mins: That’s now the whole back three booked for Japan now - Maya Yoshida gets yellow as he closes in behind Morata.
Wrong decision, barely touches him. Tight-rope for Japan’s backline now...
One minute of added time here.
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
43 mins: Another booking for Japan - this one more justified as Shogo Taniguchi clatters into Gavi very late.
Japan needing half-time...
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
39 mins: Something of a harsh yellow card for Japan defender Kou Itakura, as he just catches Pedri.
He’ll miss the last-16 game - if Japan get there.
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
35 mins: Nervy moment for Spain keeper Unai Simon as he’s closed down by Maeda, but he JUST about gets his pass away to Azpilicueta on the right.
That was a close run thing!
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
30 mins: Spain just supreme at keeping the ball at the moment - it almost mirrors a training session does this match so far.
That being said, for all of Spain’s domination, it’s still only 1-0. Japan only need a moment...
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