Doha, 2 December 2022 (TDI): Japan defeated Spain, 2-1, on Thursday in FIFA 2022 to win Group E while reserving their spot in the round of 16.
During the match, Spain had a chance to be knocked out as well. However, Germany ended up defeating Costa Rica 4-2, which allowed Spain to move on to the round of 16 due to a goal differential tiebreaker.
Germany Eliminated
Consequently, despite their win, Germany was eliminated from the World Cup and went home.
If Spain had beat Japan in the match, it would have left Japan with just three points in the World Cup, with their only win coming against Germany. In this way, Germany would head on to the round of 16 by one point in the group.
In yesterday’s match between Japan and Spain, Japan did not start off well. Alvaro Morata got Spain on the scoreboard when he had a perfect header on a cross from Cesar Azpilicueta that went past Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda.
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However, Japan did not compromise. As the second half got underway, Ritsu Doan notched the game at one apiece in the 48th minute.
Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma saved a through ball that went over the back line for a goal kick. Ao Tanaka knocked it in the net for Japan’s second goal of the second half.
Moreover, Japan celebrated when the final whistle came after seven extra minutes were added to the match, while Germany was disappointed, despite the win, when they got to know about their elimination.
Japan’s coach, Hajime Moriyasu, said “big thanks to all our supporters, the people of Japan, for their support. Thanks to them, we were able to make it through this difficult match. I am happy I was able to deliver the victory to everyone”.
Player of the Match
Furthermore, Ao Takama, a midfielder, won the player of the match against Spain.
Additionally, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida congratulated the team by saying, “I would like to express my sincere respect for your efforts. And I would like to share the joy of making it through the group stage with the people of Japan.”
As Japan and Spain move on, they will await their opponents from Group H and Group G. They will play on Friday to round out the group of 16 teams in the knockout stage.
The consequence of Japan’s victory at FIFA 2022 is a second successive group-stage exit for Germany.
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