Japan's Ao Tanaka celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates during the Qatar World Cup final Group E match between Japan and Spain at Khalifa International Stadium on December 1, 2022. (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)
Japan are a side to be feared at this World Cup.
They can change things around in a matter of seconds. This was exactly what they did against Spain, shocking the 2010 champions 2-1 – scoring two goals in 142 seconds – in their last Group E match.
It was their second major upset in eight days at Qatar’s iconic Khalifa International Stadium after their stunning 2-1 victory over four-time winners Germany on November 23.
Japan's Ritsu Doan celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates. (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)
After claiming wins against European heavyweights, the Asian giants, who started as underdogs in the group, emerged on top with 6 points while Spain edged Germany – both on four points – on goal difference courtesy their 7-0 victory in the opening game against Costa Rica.
Hansi Flick’s Germany were knocked out of the group stage for the second successive World Cup.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu had told Japan ahead of the crucial match that they must bring their best against Spain to win respect of fans but that pep talk hardly made difference in the first half completely dominated by Spain.
The La Roja comfortably went into the lead after an 11th minute header by Alvaro Morata. They enjoyed over 82 percent of ball possession as Japan were hardly getting the ball in the first half.
Japan’s Ritsu Doan celebrates with Kaoru Mitoma after scoring their first goal. REUTERS
But the Samurai Blue made a remarkable turnaround in the second half pulling the goal back with Moriyasu’s second half replacement Ritsu Doan, who also scored first goal against Germany, scoring in the 48th minute.
Ao Tanaka netted the winner three minutes later with the goal being approved by VAR after being ruled out by the referee initially.
Japan have qualified for the last 16 stage for the fourth time but they have never advanced to the quarter-finals.
“In terms of a finish, the new aim for us is the last eight,” Moriyasu said yesterday.
“The players are showing us a different and new view of being able to fight on the world stage. I would like to set a new record of the last eight or better.”
Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma in action as the ball appears to have crossed the line before Japan’s Ao Tanaka scores their second goal. REUTERS
At the start, the Samurai Blue showed some blistering pace with Takefusa Kubo and Tanaka sending early warning signs for Spain.
But that was perhaps their best moment in the opening session as Luis Enrique’s men adapted to their traditional style of keeping the ball possession.
Japan had the passion and overwhelming fan support but they weren’t getting the ball as La Roja were keeping the ball to frustrate the Asian giants.
Morata scored his third goal of the tournament in as many matches, netting the ball from a brilliant cross by Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Atletico Madrid striker took another shot on target but Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda was well placed to block the ball.
Despite Japan trailing by a goal, their fans were continuously backing their team, which had no solution for Spain’s domination.
Spain had another chance at goal close to the half-time but Dani Olmo’s shot was blocked by Shogo Taniguchi with a slide.
It was totally a contrasting start for the Samurai Blue, who incredibly moved to a 2-1 lead six minutes into the second half.
Doan was the hero for Japan again making an instant impact after coming off the bench. The 24-year-old smashed a left-footed kick into the back of the net shocking Spain, who hardly saw Japan pressing that way in the first half.
While Enrique was still wondering what went wrong, Moriyasu’s men took the lead through Tanaka, who received a ball from another second-half substitute Kaoru Mitoma to put the ball in from a close range.
While the ball appeared to go over the line before Mitoma’s cross to Tanaka, VAR allowed the goal, sending Japan fans into raptures.
Gonda made some good saves thwarting Spain’s attempts for an equaliser late into the match.
“Big thanks to all our supporters, the people of Japan, for their support,” said Moriyasu.
“Thanks to everyone’s support, we were able to make it through this difficult match. I’m happy that I was able to deliver the victory to everyone and produce results that we can all be happy with.”
Japan will meet 2018 runners-up Croatia in their Round of 16 clash on Monday, a day before Spain will face Morocco.
