A spirited performance from Japan saw the side coming from behind to beat Spain 2-1 in the final Group E match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The national team of the Asian country today locked horns with the former World Champions in dire need of a win or say goodbye to the mundial.
With the plan of the Japanese falling apart in the early parts of the first half, Spain scored through striker Alvaro Morata’s header to take the lead in the 11th minute.
Thankfully, Japan did not give up and continued to labour. Courtesy of two second-half goals from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka, the Asians completed a sensational 2-1 comeback win at the end of the 90 minutes.
The win has propelled Japan to the top of the Group E standings of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Despite Germany’s 4-2 win over Costa Rica, they are unable to progress to the Round 16 stage because of Japan’s win.
Meanwhile, Spain’s defeat to Japan meant little. A superior goal difference means that Spain still goes through to the Round 16 stage.
Earlier today, Morocco and Croatia also advanced to the knockout stage after finished 1st and 2nd in Group F respectively.