Japan staged a remarkable comeback tonight against Spain to win 2-1 and advance to the round of 16 of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Despite the defeat, Spain also progressed, leaving Germany and Costa Rica heading home, despite the former’s 4-2 win.
In a night full of drama and fast-changing permutations, Spain were left relying on the result of Germany’s game against Costa Rica for them to qualify from Group E.
All four teams had started the night with a chance of progressing and all risked elimination, but Spain needed only a draw to qualify.
The 2010 world champions scored early through Alvaro Morata and were cruising at half-time. But Japan quickly turned the game and the group around after the break.
The Asians sent on substitutes Ritsu Doan and Kaoru Mitoma at half-time and within six minutes of the restart they had both made a huge impact.
Doan equalised in the 48th minute and only 142 seconds later, Mitomo assisted Ao Tanaka to score from close range.
The goal was initially ruled out by the assistant referee who thought Doan’s cross had gone out of play, but the Video Assistant Referee ruled Mitomo had reached it just in time.
Things got even worse for Spain when Costa Rica took a surprise 2-1 lead over Germany moments later, because at that stage Luis Enrique’s side were third behind Japan and Costa Rica.
However, Germany fought back to win 4-2, with substitute Kai Havertz netting twice.
The win was not enough for Germany, who finished third on four points, edged out by Spain on goal difference.
It is the second World Cup in a row Germany have crashed out in the group stages after their triumph in Brazil in 2014.
Japan will face Croatia on Monday, while Spain play Morocco the day after in their round of 16 ties.
