Japan have won their World Cup group, which consisted of Spain, Germany and Costa Rica – to make it through to the knockout stages.
Very few people would have predicted that the team would be making it through over either of the 2010 or 2014 winners. But, their resolute performances in the group stage has earned them passage against all odds.
Japan through to the last 16 despite massive odds against them
The Asian side were against two of the best teams in the world. And they were able to defeat both of them, despite suffering a shocking loss against Costa Rica in the middle. Spain finished second in their group, while Germany were knocked out altogether.
Japan overturned a 1-0 deficit in both their wins against Spain and Germany. And this only goes to show their fighting spirit. Moreover, they defended very resolutely – with all eleven players behind the ball especially in the last game.
They are now up against 2018 finalists Croatia in the Round of 16 – which promises to be a massive battle between two underdogs. While Croatia will still be the likely team to go through on paper – there is no guarantee that we won’t see yet another upset in Qatar.
