Germany vs Japan LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction after shock late turnaround
Germany 1-2 Japan: Four-time winners caught out as Asian side earn thrilling comeback victory in another big shock in Qatar
Japan stunned Germany 2-1 in their World Cup Group E opener in Qatar to leave the four-time winners facing down a group-stage exit once again.
The Germans had dominated the contest at the Khalifa International Stadium and taken the lead with a 33rd minute penalty from Ilkay Guendogan after Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda had fouled wing back David Raum.
The second goal never came, however, and Japan’s raids into the German half became more and more frequent, culminating in Doan’s equaliser and a brilliant finish from Asano eight minutes later.
The defeat was the third in a row in the opening match of a major championship for Germany after a loss to Mexico at the 2018 World Cup, when they bowed out in the first round as champions, and to France at Euro 2020.
Relive the action with our live blog below and follow coverage of Spain vs Costa Rica
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
13 mins: Ziyech down the right tries to play in Youssef En-Nesyri in the box but it’s well anticipated by Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol, who is sporting a face mask today...
Ziyech then has a shot from the edge of the box which is blocked by Dejan Lovren.
African team just building some momentum in this game. The duo of Hakimi and Ziyech on the right already proving fruitful...
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
8 mins: First serious attack from Morocco is snuffed out at the last second by Lovren in the penalty area, after a lovely switch of play from Hakim Ziyech.
Good to see the Chelsea playmaker back playing for his country again...
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
5 mins: Croatia dominant with the ball early on - Andrej Kramarić looks to have an opportunity in the box but Romain Saïss, formerly of Wolves, quickly and crucially intercepts.
Luka Modric over Croatia’s first corner, but Morocco clear their lines.
Morocco vs Croatia: KICK-OFF!
We’re underway at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor for the first encounter from Group F!
Morocco in red shirts and green shorts, with Croatia in their traditional red-and-white checkered strip.
Morocco vs Croatia: Today’s teams!
Morocco: Bounou, Hakimi, Saiss, Aguerd, Mazraoui, Ounahi, Amrabat, Ziyech, Amallah, Boufal, En-Nesyri.
Subs: Hamdallah, Zaroury, Sabiri, Mohamedi, Chair, Aboukhlal, Ezzalzouli, El Yamiq, Dari, Cheddira, Tagnaouti, El Khannous, Benoun, Attiyat Allah, Jabrane.
Croatia: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Vlasic, Kramaric, Perisic
Subs: Stanisic, Barisic, Erlic, Majer, Grbic, Livaja, Pasalic, Petkovic, Budimir, Orsic, Vida, Ivusic, Sutalo, Sucic, Jakic.
Morocco vs Croatia: The teams are out!
Both sets of players have entered the fray at the Al Bayt Stadium on a scorching hot day in Al Khor! Morocco very well supported in the stands, at the stadium which hosted the tournament opener on Sunday between Qatar and Ecuador.
Now time for the national anthems...
Morocco vs Croatia: Pundit quotes...
Nigel de Jong, speaking to ITV:
“He’s an amazing player, he’s such a force of nature for Real Madrid and his country. The technique, he’s the soul and heart of the team. Also he’s such a humble guy - he’s the silent captain, not the most vocal, but he lets his football do the talking.”
Joe Cole:
“Morocco are a good team. Croatia’s blend of olf and new, but I think they’re entering a transitional period. You’ve still got Lovren and Perisic, 33, 34. It may be a tournament too late - I have high hopes for Morocco.”
Morocco vs Croatia: A reminder of the team news!
Morocco: Bounou, Hakimi, Saiss, Aguerd, Mazraoui, Ounahi, Amrabat, Ziyech, Amallah, Boufal, En-Nesyri.
Subs: Hamdallah, Zaroury, Sabiri, Mohamedi, Chair, Aboukhlal, Ezzalzouli, El Yamiq, Dari, Cheddira, Tagnaouti, El Khannous, Benoun, Attiyat Allah, Jabrane.
Croatia: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Vlasic, Kramaric, Perisic
Subs: Stanisic, Barisic, Erlic, Majer, Grbic, Livaja, Pasalic, Petkovic, Budimir, Orsic, Vida, Ivusic, Sutalo, Sucic, Jakic.
Morocco vs Croatia: Match odds!
Morocco: 14/5
Croatia: 11/10
Draw: 9/4
Morocco vs Croatia: Both teams are out warming-up at the Al Bayt Stadium!
Luka Modric, who won the Golden Ball in Russia four years ago, will hope to deliver one last time for Croatia in a World Cup, with Zlatko Dalić’s side packed with talent.
Speaking of which, Walid Regragui’s Morocco side have the potential to cause an upset in the tournament, having fallen slightly short of expectations in their run to the quarter-finals at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Belgium and Canada are also in Group F, with each of the four sides capable of qualifying for the last 16 of the competition.
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