With a remarkable 2-1 victory over Spain, goals from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka sent Japan into the World Cup's round of 16, where they joined La Roja as Germany was eliminated. Spain quickly took the lead early on with Alvaro Morata's header past Shuichi Gonda for his third goal of the tournament as both teams knew that a victory would advance them.
Spain had a great advantage in possession, but they were unable to take advantage of it as Japan completely changed the game with a quick-fire second-half double, with Doan scoring from distance and Tanaka adding a second.
When Costa Rica took the lead against Germany in the group's second match, Spain was momentarily on their way out of the World Cup. But thanks to Germany's late comeback and 4-2 victory, La Roja was able to advance as the runners-up after an exciting final match.
After Sergio Busquets made a mistake early on, Junya Ito shot into the side netting, and Japan paid the price when Morata headed Cesar Azpilicueta's precise cross in after 11 minutes.
In a comfortable first half, Spain kept Japan at a distance, but Luis Enrique's team struggled to generate more chances. Dani Olmo and Nico Williams both had shots blocked. After being introduced at halftime, Japan's substitute Doan needed just three minutes to make an impact, slamming a fierce 20-yard shot past Unai Simon to tie the game.
Three minutes later, Japan completed a remarkable comeback when Tanaka headed in a cross from Kaoru Mitoma. A protracted VAR review determined that the Brighton and Hove Albion player kept the ball in play.
Spain spent the remainder of the match camped in Japan's half after Gonda denied Marco Asensio and Olmo in quick succession. However, Hajime Moriyasu's team produced a resolute performance to cling on, defeating two previous World Cup winners to first place in memorable fashion.
WHY DOES THAT MATTER? THE COMEBACK KINGS DO THE SAME RUSE
When Japan lost to Costa Rica after defeating Germany by a score of 2-1, their supporters might have thought their team had wasted the chance to advance out of Group E.
Japan became only the third side in World Cup history to win two games after being down at halftime in a single tournament, joining Brazil in 1938 and West Germany in 1970, by mounting an even more incredible comeback to secure their advancement. Spain's seven-game unbeaten World Cup streak was snapped, and they will need to improve after a terrible second half when they take on Group F winners Morocco.
SAMURAI BLUE GETS ANOTHER WIN FROM THE REPLACEMENT
After coming on as Takefusa Kubo's replacement at halftime, Freiburg forward Doan quickly equalized the score to set up Japan's victory over Germany.
His long-range goal gave Japan three straight World Cup goals from substitutes, but Tanaka gave Japan the lead 142 seconds later, sparking controversy about whether the ball was in play throughout the build-up.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Spain will play Morocco in the Education City Stadium on Saturday, while Japan, who won their group, will play Croatia in the round of 16 on Sunday.
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