DOHA: David hardly ever slays Goliath twice.
But on the Khalifa International Stadium the place they’d vanquished giants Germany greater than per week in the past, the Samurai Blue shocked one other fancied opponent on Thursday (Dec 1).
This time it was Luis Enrique’s Spain that have been incisively carved open within the area of some scintillating minutes.
In stunningly comparable trend to the sport against Germany, two second-half targets gave Japan the victory after going behind. This time, the gaols got here courtesy of Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka.
Things began so in a different way. A primary-half header from Alvaro Morata – his third in as many video games – gave Spain the lead within the first half, after they have been completely imperious.
As he had within the 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica, Moriyasu rang within the modifications with Shogo Taniguchi, Ao Tanaka, Junya Ito, Takefusa Kubo, and Daizen Maeda all beginning.
Japan regarded to undertake the identical techniques as they did against Hansi Flick’s Germany – take in the stress and hit their opponents on the counter.
But no matter plans they’d got here undone as Morata ghosted behind the Japan defence and knocked a header previous Shuichi Gonda within the eleventh minute.
As Spain dictated the tempo, Japan have been lowered to chasing shadows in futile resistance.
With little motion in the best way of goalscoring alternatives, supporters entertained themselves with energetic Mexican waves as a substitute.
The Japanese followers, among the many most vigorous on the match, tried valiantly to drum up assist for his or her staff, nevertheless it appeared a dropping trigger.
As the half wore on, Japan continued to trouble their opponent, however Spain have been remarkably unruffled.
Japan through to World Cup knockout stage after stunning comeback victory against Spain
Japan through to World Cup knockout stage after stunning comeback victory against Spain
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Japan through to World Cup knockout stage after stunning comeback victory against Spain