Japan’s gamers admitted that Wednesday’s memorable victory over Germany was impressed by Saudi Arabia’s shock win over Argentina the day earlier than.
- Japan got here from behind to win 2-1
- Objectives from Doan and Asano secured win
- Mitoma and Kubo attributed inspiration to Saudi victory
WHAT HAPPENED? Japan got here from behind within the second half to grab a dramatic victory towards 2014 winners Germany, who misplaced their second successive World Cup opener. Objectives from Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano turned the sport round in Doha, and Japan’s gamers revealed the inspiration for his or her efficiency after the match.
WHAT THEY SAID: “This second was unbelievable for the staff and for me,” stated Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma. “We watched Saudi Arabia towards Argentina. They received that recreation and we thought we might have a terrific recreation right here. It impressed me and the staff quite a bit.”
Actual Sociedad winger Takefua Kubo added: “We have been going for our coaching session and we watched it on the staff coach – their victory impressed us! We’re comfortable for [Saudi Arabia] and I heard there’s a public vacation there as we speak so possibly as we speak, it occurs in Japan!”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The end result had taken Japan prime of group E momentarily, earlier than Spain’s 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica put paid to that. Nonetheless second on purpose distinction, Hajime Moriyasu’s facet are fairing significantly better than opponents Germany, who want a win from their subsequent recreation towards La Roja to be in with an opportunity of qualification to the knockout phases.
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DID YOU KNOW? Japan received a World Cup match wherein they conceded first for the primary time of their historical past (drew two, misplaced seven earlier than Wednesday).
WHAT NEXT FOR JAPAN? Moriyasu’s facet shall be hoping to make it two wins on the bounce once they tackle Costa Rica on Sunday.
