After Saudi Arabia’s shocking win against Argentina, Japan shocked Germany by winning 2-1 against the 2014 winners. The match events were eerily similar to the one the day before, with a second half comeback from the team trailing in the first.
Ilkay Gundogan was able to convert a penalty for his country in the first half to give them the lead. And while they had plenty of opportunities, they were unable to add to their 1-0 lead at the time.
Germany defeated by Japan in World Cup opener
The second half saw the early play go in favour of Hansi Flick’s team. However, they still weren’t able to convert their chances.
And following the introduction of Takuma Asano, things really started moving in favour of Japan. The VfL Bochum striker was able to score the winning goal, and added a much-needed spark to Japan’s attacking display in the opposition box.
Germany have been defeated in their first game of the World Cup for the second consecutive edition. And it might be a similar story for them unless they are able to make the most of their next two games. However, it will not be easy for them to qualify out of the extremely competitive group, starting on the wrong foot. Japan, on the other hand, have started in the best way possible.
