Doha: Japan staged their second beautiful turnaround of the World Cup after they beat 2010 champions Spain 2-1 on Thursday with two quick-fire objectives and superior to the final 16 together with their overwhelmed opponents.
Going into the halftime break 1-0 down and on target for an early World Cup exit, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu reorganised his facet to provide them extra attacking chew and inside six minutes the Samurai Blue have been forward.
Ritsu Doan, one of many substitutes, hammered in a shot from the sting of the field within the forty eighth minute that Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon – whose poor clearance had created the hazard – couldn’t maintain out.
Three minutes later, Ao Tanaka scored from shut vary after the opposite halftime sub Kaoru Mitoma minimize the ball again from the byline. The VAR system took a number of minutes to substantiate the ball had not gone out earlier than Mitoma’s contact, sparking wild celebrations by Japan and their followers when the decision got here in.
Alvaro Morata scores from a header for Spain towards Japan. Picture: Twitter/ @FIFAWorldCup
Spain had appeared in complete management within the first half however have been immediately clinging to their probability of staying within the World Cup as Costa Rica and Germany battled out their very own drama within the different Group E match.
Alvaro Morata had put the Spaniards forward when he scored his third purpose in three video games in Qatar, rising excessive above Japan’s defence to energy a header previous goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda within the eleventh minute after a cross by Cesar Azpilicueta.
The breathtaking 2-1 win for Japan – who additionally beat Germany 2-1 after going behind of their opening match of the event – meant they topped Group E, adopted by Spain in second who completed forward of third-placed Germany solely on purpose distinction. Japan will face Croatia within the final 16 whereas Spain will meet Morocco.