On Wednesday, Germany, which is one of this year’s gold favorites, played its first match in the World Cup in Qatar.
But like another pre-favourite, Argentina, they fell most unexpectedly in the premiere. This despite the fact that “Die Mannschaft” took the lead against Japan in the first half when Ilkay Gündogan’s penalty found its way into the net.
In the second half, Japan came out with renewed vigor and an equalizer was already in the air when Ritsu Doan found the right of a rebound from Manuel Neuer in the Germany goal.
The bang was then completed when Asano sprinted away from the German defenders and from a tight angle pounced on the lead goal.
For Germany, the loss means that further advancement in the championship is highly in jeopardy. In the next match, on Sunday, Spain awaits.
Watch Japan’s winning goal in the player above.