World Cup 2022: Japan Stuns Germany In Opening Match

 

Germany got off to a disappointing start to the World Cup finals in Qatar as they lost 2-1 in an unexpected comeback from Japan. 

Japan did not seemed that much of a dangerous side from the look of things but they had an instinct to cause a scare and they did just that to write off Germany's lead from the first half. Even though, the Japanese should have conceded goals by wider margin the Germans unlucky not to converted those chances. 

Ilkay Gundogan gave the European side the lead from a penalty in the first half but the scoreline levels after the break as Doan smashed home Minamino's rebound shot. Japan took the lead to win the game when Takuma Asano finished off Itakura's cross from a free-kick with seven minutes left to play. 

Germany had a goal canceled by the referee for offside position of Kai Havertz, and likewise, Japan had a goal ruled out for the same reason. Nonetheless, the Japanese were more offensive in the second half and that paid off.