Japan becomes victorious from World Cup Group E, while Spain narrowly advances to the round of 16 based on goal differential.
Japan overcame a first-half deficit to overcome Spain 2-1 and move on to the World Cup round of 16 by scoring twice early in the second half.
At the Al Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday, Spain’s Alvaro Morata scored the game’s opening goal in the eleventh minute. However, Japan fought back after the break. The Spanish striker headed in a cross from the highest point on the field for his third goal of the competition.
A few minutes after coming on as a halftime substitution, Ritsu Doan equalised with a left-footed shot from outside the box in the 48th minute. A few minutes later, Ao Tanaka added the second goal from close range.
Officials conducting video reviews needed around two minutes to conclude that the ball had not left the field before the goal.
Germany was eliminated despite a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica on Thursday. Japan finished first in Group E, followed by Spain on goal differential.
In both games’ last minutes, all four teams had a chance to qualify, making it a dramatic conclusion to the group.
Spain, who was losing against Japan, would have been eliminated had Costa Rica not taken the lead against Germany in the second half. However, the Germans quickly pulled even and retook the lead.
As time ran down, Japan appeared secure until Germany defeated Costa Rica 4-2. The Japanese may have dropped from first to third in the group if a late Spanish goal had been scored. However, the Samurai Blue was able to hold out against waves of Spanish assaults.
Spain held 82 percent of the ball at the game’s conclusion, completing 1,058 passes to Japan’s 228. However, the Japanese were simply more skilled, and Hajime Moriyasu’s second-half replacements, which included adding Doan, proved crucial.
At the same location, Japan had also stunned Germany 2-1 in its Group E debut.
Spain will play Morocco the next week, and Japan, who has never advanced past the first knockout round, will play Croatia in the round of 16. Before the game, it was noted that Spain might be better off finishing second in the group to avoid playing Brazil in the probable quarterfinals.
The World Cup continues on Friday with the group stage’s last day, which will determine the winners of Groups H and G. Ghana will face Uruguay in a highly anticipated rematch of their dramatic 2010 World Cup quarterfinal encounter with qualification on the line.
