Germany Suffers Shocking 1-2 Comeback Defeat to Japan in Qatar World Cup Opener
On the afternoon of the 23rd (local time), the Group E match between Germany and Japan of the 2022 Qatar World Cup was held at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Germany's coach Hansi Flick is watching the game. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The "Panzer Army" Germany was defeated by Japan. Japan became the second Asian country to defeat Germany in the World Cup finals, following South Korea.
On the 23rd at 10 PM (Korean time), Germany lost 1-2 in the first match of Group E at the 2022 Qatar World Cup held at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Despite Ilkay G?ndo?an (32, Manchester City) scoring the opening goal, Germany conceded two consecutive goals in the second half and was overturned by Japan.
Germany, which controlled the first half, earned a penalty kick at the 31st minute of the first half thanks to the efforts of David Raum (24, RB Leipzig) and Serge Gnabry (27, Bayern Munich). G?ndo?an calmly converted the penalty to take the lead and approach victory.
Japan, preparing to counterattack, increased their focus in the second half and turned the game around. At the 30th minute of the second half, Doan Ritsu (24, Freiburg) scored the equalizer, and 8 minutes later, Asano Takuma (28, Bochum) scored the go-ahead goal, defeating Germany 2-1.
Germany, expected to compete with Spain for first place in Group E, was shocked. Following their 0-2 defeat to South Korea in the final group match of the 2018 Russia World Cup, which resulted in failure to advance to the knockout stage, Germany suffered a second consecutive loss to an Asian team.
Germany national team coach Hansi Flick drew a line by saying in a post-match interview, "I was not part of the team in 2018," but emphasized, "Since we play Spain on Sunday, there is still a chance to reach the round of 16, and we must have the ability to maintain performance throughout the 90 minutes."
Coach Flick reflected, "We had opportunities in the second half but failed to capitalize. Japan was much more concise and aggressive. We missed a victory we should not have lost."
He continued, "We will not make excuses for the loss. Japan is a strong team with good players. They have many technically skilled players and are well-trained. They played efficiently," adding, "We made many mistakes."
Following the defeat to Japan, Germany is expected to put everything on the line in the second group match against Spain on the 28th.
Coach Flick stressed, "Spain is a completely different team from Japan. We need to prepare a different game plan. Although there is pressure from having zero points, we must be more precise and aggressive. That is what is needed in the World Cup."
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