Japan turned around and won the World Cup
We have a new giant in WC.
Germany had the lead for a long time against Japan – but completely collapsed towards the end of the second half and lost 1-2 in the opening match.
– Germany should be superior here, says TV4 expert Hannah Marklund in the broadcast.
Yesterday, there was a World Cup scandal when Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia. And now it’s time for a new one.
But right before kick-off, the focus was on things other than sports. The German national team chose to stand in front of FIFA before the match following the ban on the “One Love” bandage and put their hands in their mouths in protest.
Once the match got underway on the pitch, things got tough and went down a real slap as Japan put in a great performance and turned their deficit into a victory.
Germany started the first half at full speed. Those in black and white for the day conceded a penalty in the 33rd minute and Ilkay Gundogan stepped forward and calmly made it 1-0.
completely lost in others
But the Germans were not recognizable at the end of the second half.
After massive pressure from Japan, they finally managed to rock Germany, sending them 1-1 through Retsu Doan with a quarter of an hour to play.
Of course there will be more to come.
Takuma Asano ran deep in the 83rd minute and got a great assist from Ko Itakura. Asano then continued into the penalty area and fired home to make it 2-1 behind Germany captain Manuel Neuer, who made a questionable tackle. A goal meant Japan won 2-1.
Japan will face Costa Rica next. Germany meets Spain.
The text has been updated.
FIFA World Cup matches Thursday, November 24:
11.00 Switzerland and Cameroon 14.00 Uruguay and South Korea 17.00 Portugal and Ghana 20.00 Brazil and Serbia