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Japanese players are celebrating after securing a victory in their first group stage match against Germany at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Japan defeated the tank corps Germany.

On the 23rd (Korean time), Japan recorded a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against Germany in the first match of Group E in the '2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup' at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

Japan caused an upset by defeating a strong title contender Germany, following Saudi Arabia's surprise win the day before. Germany is ranked 11th in the FIFA rankings, while Japan is 24th.

In the first half, Germany took control of the game. In the 31st minute, Kimmich made a lob pass into the penalty box, and during goalkeeper Gonda's defense, Raum was tripped, leading the referee to award a penalty kick. Gundogan, who took the kick, calmly scored, ending the first half with Germany leading 1-0.

On the afternoon of the 23rd (local time), the Group E match between Germany and Japan was held at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage. Germany's Ilkay G?ndogan is showing regret as his shot goes wide of the goalpost.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Germany continued their momentum in the second half. In the 14th minute of the second half, Gundogan shot from the center of the opponent's box after receiving a pass from Musiala, but the ball hit the post and bounced out.

Japan made substitutions at the start of the second half and chased Germany through changes. The combination play of Takumi Minamino and Doan, who were substituted in the second half, shook Germany's goal. The match became tied at 1-1.

Riding the momentum, Japan scored the go-ahead goal in the 38th minute of the second half. Takuma Asano received a long pass, penetrated the penalty area, and pushed the ball in with a right-footed shot.

In the 7 minutes of added time in the second half, even goalkeeper Neuer joined the corner kick as Germany tried to make a comeback, but they could not break through Japan's wall. Germany bowed their heads once again on the World Cup stage, following the nightmare against South Korea four years ago.

Japan took the first 3 points and unexpectedly rose to the top of Group E. Group E includes Japan, Germany, Spain, and Costa Rica, and is called the 'Group of Death' in this tournament.