World Cup 2022 - Germany 1-2 Japan
Game two on this Wednesday, and the hope for some goals and action was getting more urgent game on game. Yes, we wanted goals after three 0-0 stalemates in under 24 hours. This match might produce them, and featured one of the up and coming stars in the game, Jamal Musiala, just 19 years old, and the youngest German player to feature in the World Cup for his nation since 1958.
Japan may not be the most physical side, but they swarm round anyone who is ponderous on the ball like bees around a honey pot, and on 7 mins Ilkay Gungogan was robbed in midfield, leading to a sharp counter attack. Ito on the right wing sent in a cross to centre forward Daizen Maeda, who slammed the ball in the net, but it was ruled out for offside. A warning for the Germans early on. Sixteen minutes in and Germany had their first opportunity, Antonio Rudiger rising at the back stick but heading wide of the right hand post.
Germany were controlling the possession - 78% after 20 mins, but Japan seemed happy to sit back in formation and soak up wherever Germany had. A cute flick from Gundogan on 20 mins lead to a 20 yard hit from Kimmich and Gonda in the Japan goal made a flying save. Gundogan had two shots in two mintues, the first an easy one for Gonda to handle after good work from Gnabry. The second was more dangerous as the Japan keeper pushed away a low effort from the edge of the box. Then on the half hour, the Japanese keeper clumsily brought down David Raum when there was no need to, and the referee Cisneros pointed to the spot. Gundogan stepped up and cooly slotted home.
On 44 mins Kimmich played a sharp ball to Musiala, who dropped his shoulder, jinked expertly around two Japanese and let fly with a shot that unfortunately flew over the bar. The kid has got talent for sure. In injury time ,a smart move from right to left lead to Havertz tapping in, but the goal was ruled out by a VAR check because of offside. Just before the half time whistle, a sharp left hand cross from Nagatomo was nodded goalwards by Maeda but it flew harmlessly wide.
The second half was lit up on 51 mins by Musiala, who skipped around no less than 4 Japan defenders but his resulting shot flew over. Beautiful skill from the youngster, and minutes later it was his pass who set up Gundogan whose drive from the edge of the box hit the right hand post. Japan were not out of this though and on 61 mins a sharp break lead to Asano shooting wide. Japan were finding space in wide areas after shifting to a back three and looking more dangerous. Then four chances in seconds for the Germans, as Gnabry and Hoffman were both denied by Gonda - Japan survived. Then a huge chance for Japan. Ito was found in the box with a gorgeous pass from Kamada, he swivelled and shot towards the goal. Neuer parried and Sakai blazed over from close range. Japan were pushing forward and it paid off on 75 mins. Mitoma on the left played in Minamino whose cross shot was saved by Neuer, but only into the past of Doan who gleefully slammed the ball home.
For all Germany's possession, Japan had levelled. Worse was to come. A simple long ball on the right found Asano. He outpaced Süle and lifted the ball over Neuer high into the net from an acute angle. Just like with the Saudis yesterday, cue pandemonium and Japanese delight. The face of the German manager, Hansi Flick took on visible shock as he stared into the TV camera. Could Japan hold on for a famous victory? Yes they could and a second huge shock in two days!!! The first time that Japan had ever beaten mighty Germany. Unbelievable!!
