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 0-0 Japan: Germany say Fifa ‘denied us a voice’ after covering mouths in statement at World Cup
Germany players covered their mouths in a World Cup 2022 statement before their match with Japan.
Die Mannschaft lined up for the photo opportunity on the pitch before the Group E match at the Khalifa International Stadium, collectively covering their mouths.
Some have interpreted it as a response in the row over being censored by Fifa over support for the ‘One Love’ initiative.
A statement from the German FA read: “We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect. Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.
“It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us. Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”
Germany’s soccer team players cover their mouth during the World Cup group E soccer match against Japan
German Federal Minister of the Interior and Community Nancy Faeser could be seen in the stands wearing the One Love armband before kick-off.
It is the latest development in the row with the world governing body over the symbol in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.
Germany say Fifa ‘denied us a voice’ after covering mouths in statement at World Cup
Fifa have threatened unspecified sporting sanctions against players who wear the rainbow band
Germany 0-0 Japan
22 mins: Raum sloppily loses the ball in his own half - Japan rapid to counter and the underdogs have a corner, but are unable to fashion a chance from it.
Germany 0-0 Japan
21 mins: First real bit of incisive play from the Germans!
The ball falls to Josh Kimmich who works Japan keeper Shūichi Gonda with a decent strike, while the follow-up goes astray and is given offside anyway.
Tell you what, when the Japan fans have a breather, it’s very, very quiet at the Khalifa International Stadium - you can hear the players talk to each other!
Germany 0-0 Japan
16 mins: Close from Rudiger!
A chipped corner to the back post is met by the head of Antonio Rudiger, whose header sails just wide of the near post!
Not a bad chance that - the Real Madrid defender’s reaction says that he should’ve done better!
Germany 0-0 Japan
14 mins: Japan doing a good job of nullifying any German threat at the moment - they press rapidly when Germany enter their half.
Right back Hiroki Sakai down injured after a tackle on David Raum - clash of legs. Fine to continue.
Germany 0-0 Japan
8 mins: It’s a terrific Japan counter-attack which ends with a goal... but it’s offside!
Daizen Maeda converts at the back post but he’s gone too early, clearly a yard or so offside!
He didn’t need to be either! Let-off for the Germans, with Gundogan losing the ball cheaply in midfield this time.
Germany 0-0 Japan
5 mins: Musiala this time gives the ball away in midfield and Ilkay Gundogan has to cover for him - Japan with the first corner of the match.
Headed comfortably away by Gnabry.
Germany 0-0 Japan
2 mins: Bright start from Germany, with Musiala involved from the off - he wins the ball in the centre of the park but can’t quite find the right pass into the box.
Japan sitting off, relatively deep in their shape early on...
Germany vs Japan: Kick-off!
We’re underway at the Khalifa International Stadium for this opening Group E clash!
Germany in their traditional white shirts and black shorts, with Japan in dark blue shirts and white shorts.
Germany vs Japan: A reminder of the teams!
Germany: Neuer; Schlotterbeck, Sule, Rudiger, Raum; Kimmich, Gundogan; Gnabry, Muller, Musiala; Havertz
Japan: Gonda; Sakai, Itakura, Yoshida, Ito, Nagatomo; Endo, Tanaka; Kubo, Kamada, Maeda
A pretty pointed Germany team photo before the game too... silenced?
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