Qatar 2022: Shocker! Japan Stun Germany 2 1

Late goals by Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano gave Japan an incredible 2-1 comeback victory over Germany in the World Cup on Wednesday.

Four times champions, Germany had looked to be cruising to victory via an Ilkay Guendogan penalty but paid a fatal price for missing chances.

The shock result was a repeat of their 2018 World Cup nightmare when, as defending champions, they lost their opener to Mexico and, after another defeat by South Korea, were condemned to an unheard-of group-stage exit.

Germany looked in total command in the Group E clash but, with each missed chance, left the door open for Japan, who showed almost nothing in attack until a series of substitutions injected some energy in the second half.

Doan equalized in the 75th minute before Asano showed lovely control and smashed the winner in from a tight angle – causing an explosion of joy among the Japan bench.

It was a turnaround that looked scarcely believable as Japan struggled to get any foothold for most of the game.

The result is another major upset which follows a string of upsets recorded so far in the ongoing football fiesta.

Saudi Arabia had yesterday defeated bookmakers favourites, Argentina, after which Tunisia forced Croatia to a goalless draw.