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Group E just played their first game of the World Cup at Khalifa Stadium. In the end, Japan won against the German team that had largely dominated the game in the first half. In the 33rd minute, Ilkay Gündogan opened the score for Germany on a penalty kick against Shuichi Gonda (1-0). This goal scored a few minutes before the end of the first half completely disturbed the Blue Samurai who could not find themselves. The referee's whistle was a breath of fresh air for the Asians. The Japanese showed more intensity when the game resumed.
Just four minutes after coming on, Minamino crossed the ball to midfielder Ritsu Doan, who equalized for Japan. The player took advantage of Manuel Neuer's poorly saved left-side cross to score his goal in the 75th minute of play (1-1). Japan turned the game around when Takuma Asano scored in the 83rd minute. This unexpected goal clearly slowed down the momentum of the Germans. They looked distraught after two goals in the space of eight minutes.
Despite the extra seven minutes, the Germans could not come back. With this incredible victory, Japan is quietly positioned in the first place of Group E, waiting for the next game between Spain and Costa Rica. The Japanese team has only made it out of the group stage of the World Cup three times in six participations. It has never gone further than the Round of 16. That explosive start against the 2014 World Champions will forever be etched in soccer history.
