Japan rallied from a goal down in the second half to defeat Spain 2-1 on Thursday and advance to the World Cup knockout stages as group winners. Nevertheless, Luis Enrique’s have qualified for the round of 16 on goal difference, thanks to Germany’s win over Costa Rica in the other final game of Group E.
La Roja appeared to be in complete control after Alvaro Morata put the 2010 champions ahead after only 11 minutes, and they finished the first half with nearly 80% possession. But Japan, knowing they needed at least a draw to advance, exploded at the start of the second half, scoring two goals in the first six minutes.
At 48 minutes, half-time substitute Ritsu Doan scored from outside the box as Spain was caught playing out of the back and goalkeeper Unai Simon failed to get enough on his attempted save to keep it out. With Spain still reeling from the unexpected, Japan took the lead in contentious circumstances.
The goal appeared to be disallowed at first because the ball appeared to roll out of play before Kaoru Mitoma cut it back for Ao Tanaka to bundle in from close range. However, after a VAR review, the goal was awarded, completely changing the complexion of the group.
At 48 minutes, half-time substitute Ritsu Doan scored from outside the box as Spain was caught playing out of the back and Simon failed to get enough on his attempted save to keep it out.
With Spain still reeling from the unexpected, Japan took the lead in contentious circumstances. The goal appeared to be disallowed at first because the ball appeared to roll out of play before Mitoma cut it back for Tanaka to bundle in from close range. However, after a VAR review, the goal was awarded, completely changing the complexion of the group.
At that point, a Costa Rica victory over Germany in the group’s other game would have eliminated Spain from the competition. Despite failing to equalise against Japan, Spain advanced thanks to Germany’s win.
On a night of unrelenting drama in the desert near Doha, Serge Gnabry scored early to give the 2014 champions a 1-0 half-time lead. Despite dominating, the Germans were unable to extend their lead over the Ticos in the first 45 minutes.
Hansi Flick’s team needed to win to avoid a second consecutive group stage elimination, but they found themselves trailing after close-range goals from Yeltsin Tejeda, and Juan Pablo Vargas gave Costa Rica an improbable 2-1 lead.
Germany became nervous as the group standings flashed on the Al Bayt stadium’s big screen, with the sensational Jamal Musiala hitting the post twice early in the second half. After saving a Kendall Waston header, Manuel Neuer was helpless 13 minutes later when Tejeda thundered the ball past him on the rebound. Vargas then bundled the ball over the line to put Costa Rica ahead in the 70th minute.
Kai Havertz scored twice off the bench for Germany to retake the lead, and Niclas Fullkrug added a fourth, but Spain’s loss to Japan sealed the fate of Flick’s team, which finished with four points.
Referees Stephanie Frappart, Neuza Back, and Karen Diaz made history by becoming the first all-female crew to oversee a game at a men’s World Cup match.
On Tuesday, Spain will face Morocco in the round of 16, while Japan will face 2018 finalists Croatia on Monday.
