The Japanese squad carved its name into World Cup history by defeating Spain and Germany, finishing top of Group E after a decisive triumph.
Japan achieved a historic milestone this Thursday with a victory over Spain, a result that eliminated Germany from the 2022 World Cup.
Spain, coached by Luis Enrique, initially took the lead thanks to a first-half header from Alvaro Morata. The momentum shifted after halftime as Dōan and Tanaka struck for Japan, the latter goal surrounded by controversy when the ball seemed to have gone out of play before the assist.
Beyond earning a spot in the knockout stage, Japan climbed to first place in Group E, overtaking Spain, a team widely regarded as one of the tournament’s strongest. Spain, under Luis Enrique Martínez, absorbed a costly setback and will face Morocco in the Round of 16, while Japan prepared to meet Croatia.
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GOALS, VIDEOS AND SUMMARY
51′ A TANAKA GOAL! JAPAN 2-1 SPAIN. Japan completes the comeback, answering a European power with composure. A defensive lapse by Spain created the opening; Doan moved the ball across to Mitoma, who delivered a cross into the penalty area and Tanaka finished confidently.
48′ DOAN BREAKS THE TULIP: JAPAN 1-1 SPAIN. Ritsu Doan equalizes as Spain’s buildup momentarily falters, opening Unai Simon to the left and allowing Doan to strike past the keeper.
The moment when Unai Simon redistributed play and pierced the Spain defense is highlighted for the intensity it brought to the match
45′ + 1 Half-time at Khalifa International Stadium sees a tense, quieter opening for Spain, who had hoped Morata’s goal would steer them to top seed in the group stage.
34′ UNAI SIMÓN RISK TAKES A CHANCE: the Spanish goalkeeper nearly mishandles the ball, yet regathers and denies the Japanese attack with a sharp clearance.
Morata’s early strike briefly gave Spain the lead.
11′ GOAL FOR SPAIN! Morata meets a precise cross from Azpilicueta with a clean header, reasserting Spain’s initiative in the early stages.
1′ The ball is rolling as both teams prepare to contest the match with purpose.
Anthems echo at Khalifa International Stadium as the two sides line up. The Japanese lineup features Kubo as a key starter, underscoring their strategic approach for this match.
Spain’s starting XI included Balde, Pau Torres, Azpilicueta, Nico Williams, and Morata among several changes introduced by Luis Enrique to energize the squad.
STATISTICS
Source: Goal