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 2-0 Japan (Havertz 45+4’)
45+4 mins: Germany have their second - if Havertz is onside!
Excellent play from the Germans. Havertz taps in at the back post from Gnabry’s saved shot.
Ah, replays show he is offside... VAR is checking.
Germany 1-0 Japan
45 mins: The first bit is tremendous from Jamal Musiala - the second not so good!
The Bayern man loses his marker on the edge of the box... but his shot is high above the crossbar!
Should’ve hit the target. Four minutes of added time at the end of the first-half.
Germany 1-0 Japan
44 mins: Germany just seeing out the half now, with Japan looking slightly out on their feet after a heavy half of pressing.
Germany 1-0 Japan
41 mins: Japan just in need of half-time here you feel.
They haven’t been awful, but Germany’s pressure really building now - Kimmich is the latest to have a shot from distance, but it sails high into the stands!
Mexican wave now starting around the stadium. Not for me, Clive.
Germany 1-0 Japan
36 mins: Not a bad immediate response from Japan!
A few quick breaks down the right presents some opportunities... but the final ball lets them down!
Germany 1-0 Japan (Gunodgan pen, 33)
33 mins: Germany lead!
Ilkay Gundogan lifts the ball and goes down the middle, while Gonda dives to his left.
Very composed from the midfielder! Hansi Flick’s side are ahead... on the last 10 minutes, it had been coming!
Germany 0-0 Japan
31 mins: PENALTY TO GERMANY!
Japan rush out and Raum is in the box from left-back. He cuts back and looks to be taken out by goalkeeper Gonda! Not much contact... but enough!
The referee, from El Salvador, points to the spot after a short delay!
Needless from the keeper. Didn’t need to commit... Ilkay Gundogan is over it!
VAR check confirmed, penalty given.
Germany 0-0 Japan
29 mins: An even better opening for Gundogan!
This time Germany streak down the left - Raum’s cut back is parried by Gonda straight to Gundogan, but his goalbound shot is blocked... surely he had to lift the ball there?!
Germans well on top now!
Germany 0-0 Japan
28 mins: Much better from Germany!
They move the ball well down the right and Gnabry sets up Gundogan outside the box, but the Man City midfielder’s strike is comfortable for Gonda - straight down his throat.
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