Japan Stun Germany over 2-1 Defeat in World Cup 2022

On the fourth day of the FIFA World Cup 2022, Japan stunned Germany 2-1 in their World Cup opener, punishing Germany for not taking their chances after they dominated the first half of the game. German football team covered their mouths for the team photo before the game in a strong protest against the decision of FIFA to ban rainbow-themed armbands.

Germany arrives in Qatar under big pressure to avoid the disaster of 2018, when Germany failed to make it out of the group stage in Russia as winners of the World Cup.

With this win, Japan have provided the second major shock of the FIFA World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium. The four-time world champions took the lead in the first-half of the match with a penalty from Gundogan.

However, after a couple of near misses from Gundogan and Serge Gnabry, and an amazing save from Shuichi Gonda, Japan then made their move. The Japanese Samurai Blue became increasingly adventurous as the match between Japan and Germany wore on, and pulled goal the back with 25 minutes remaining through substitute Ritsu Doan.

Eight minutes later another substitute, Takuma Asano, burst through on the right, amid some less-impressive German defense to score an historic goal against Germany.