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 1-0 Japan
57 mins: Double change for Japan - Maeda and Nagatomo OFF, Asano and Mitoma ON.
Asano involved straight away down the right, with his cross headed wide!
Germany 1-0 Japan
55 mins: Raum’s ball through to Havertz is heavy - and Japan keeper Gonda gets their first.
Havertz is then given offside; replays show he isn’t though.
Germany 1-0 Japan
51 mins: Musiala beats about four Japan players in the box... before he blazes over again!
Mesmeric play from the 19-year-old, but he again can’t provide the finishing touch!
It remains 1-0...
Germany 1-0 Japan
50 mins: Japan’s Wataru Endo with a mazy run into the box, laying up Daichi Kamada whose shot is deflected over.
Japan can’t create anything from the subsequent corner!
Germany 1-0 Japan
47 mins: Good chance for Gnabry!
Muller powerfully surges towards the box, teeing up his Bayern team-mate on the right - he goals for goal, but is wayward at the near post.
Probably should’ve crossed...
Germany 1-0 Japan
45 mins: Back underway with the second-half.
No changes from Germany boss Hansi Flick so far...
Germany 1-0 Japan
SECOND-HALF: Japan with a half-time substitution.
Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu is on for Takefusa Kubo - looks like he’ll go to left centre-back in the back three.
Germany 1-0 Japan
HALF-TIME: Germany lead through Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty.
Germany got better and better as the half went on, but Japan aren’t out of this yet! They’ve got pace in abundance in attack but just need to be more decisive in the final third.
Germany could be a few more goals up, truth be told. They’ve had chances.
Well, it’s better than the first game of the day at least!
Germany 1-0 Japan
45+6: Frantic end to the half!
Maeda is first to the cross in the box but glances wide of the far post!
Best chance for Japan.
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