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
Germany 1-1 Japan
82 mins: Another Germany corner from Kimmich this time fails to beat the first man...
They’re in a rush now are the 2014 champions!
Germany 1-1 Japan
80 mins: Kimmich whips in a corner - and Rudiger gets up first but he gets too much on the ball, which sails over!
10 to go, which way will this swing now?
Germany 1-1 Japan
78 mins: Japan subs have been terrific - Minamino looking lively straight away!
Hansi Flick looks to change something: Gotze and Fullkrug ON, Havertz and Musiala OFF.
Mario Gotze knows when to make a difference in a World Cup... can he get Germany out of jail herre?!
Germany 1-1 Japan (Doan 75’)
75 mins: Japan are level now!
Ritsu Doan, the Japan substitute, is the scorer! Minamino’s cross is palmed away by Manuel Neuer but only to Doan, who has the composure to lift the ball into an empty net!
For all those missed chances, the Germans are back level. Anyone’s game this now!
Germany 1-0 Japan
73 mins: What a miss - Japan should be level!
The ball comes in at the back post - Junya Ito’s shot is saved brilliantly by Manuel Neuer but the goal is gaping for Hiroki Sakai, who strikes over the bar!
Takumi Minamino is ON for Japan; with Hiroki Sakai OFF.
Germany 1-0 Japan
72 mins: Four saves in quick succession from Japan goalkeeper Gonda!
He first denies Hoffman, set up by Gnabry, before denying Gnabry with a long range shot, a header and a follow-up!
Terrrific from the Japan man between the sticks!
Germany 1-0 Japan
68 mins: Good battle this between Asano and Rudiger!
The Japan forward tries to swivel in the box but the Germany defender is rock solid, the ball deflecting behind for a corner which is eventually collected by Manuel Neuer!
Germany 1-0 Japan
66 mins: Bit of pressure from Japan, but Germany hold firm for now.
Two changes for the Germans: Hofmann and Goretzka ON; Muller and Gundogan OFF.
Germany 1-0 Japan
61 mins: Suddenly... it’s very open!
Japan substitute Asano involved again - he’s played in and instead of taking on Rudiger, he shoots quickly - but it sails well over Neuer’s goal!
Germany 1-0 Japan
60 mins: Gundogan hits the post!
Havertz plays in Musiala, who in turns feeds Gundogan running towards the box - he shoots cleverly towards the near post, but it hits the outside of the woodwork!
Japan still in this!
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