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
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 2-1 Spain
82 mins: Fati can’t quite win a corner on the far side and it’s a goal-kick...
Around 10 or so minutes to go - can Japan hold on for top spot?! Bringing off Morata looks an odd choice right now by Luis Enrique!
Spain are currently also going through in second... but only because Costa Rica aren’t beating Germany. 2-2 currently in that one...
World Cup 2022: Japan 2-1 Spain
78 mins: Japan have got 11 men behind the ball and Spain, for their ball retention, struggling to fashion a meaningful chance right now!
Meanwhile, how about this picture of Japan’s second goal - in or out?! It has to be the WHOLE ball.
World Cup 2022: Japan 2-1 Spain
76 mins: Japan holding firm here - they’re 15 minutes or so away from going through as group winners!
Spain with all the ball - don’t take your eyes off this!
World Cup 2022: Japan 2-1 Spain
73 mins: Spain still probing rather slowly - someone needs to tell them that they need a goal?!
But they don’t now? Germany equalise - Kai Havertz the scorer - so Spain are now going through!
ARE YOU KEEPING UP?!
World Cup 2022: Japan 2-1 Spain
70 mins: Big chance for Asano to make it 3-1!
Japan on the counter-attack - the substitute is fed in behind but can’t get a firm contact on the cross!
But... Costa Rica have scored again - they lead Germany! So, as it stands, Spain are now heading out!
Japan and Costa Rica going through at the moment!
World Cup 2022: Japan 2-1 Spain
66 mins: Japan look like a team reborn!
Spain are back in control of possession but are struggling to find a way through this Japanese defence.
Alba and Fati coming on for Spain; Balde and Gavi come off.
For Japan: Tomiyasu (of Arsenal) comes on for Kamada.
World Cup 2022: Japan 2-1 Spain
Here’s that second Japan goal - did it cross the line?!
World Cup 2022: Costa Rica 1-1 Germany
Costa Rica are equalised! Germany going out as it stands - with Japan through as group winners just ahead of Spain!
What a turnaround early in the second-half in both games.
Costa Rica vs Germany LIVE: World Cup 2022 latest updates
World Cup 2022: Japan 2-1 Spain
60 mins: Changes galore.
Spain make a double sub: Morata and Williams OFF; Asensio and Torres ON.
Japan bring on Asano for Maeda.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THIS GAME?!
World Cup 2022: Japan 2-1 Spain (Tanaka, 51)
53 mins: Oh my - CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?!
Japan are ahead - after a lengthy VAR check!
Ao Tanaka’s goal is given! He converts from a cross from close-range, but was the ball kept in play?! The goal is given!
Original replays made it seem the ball was out!
But what a turnaround here!
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