Germany got their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign off to a disastrous start after a valiant Japan side staged an epic 2-1 comeback victory over the European giants on Wednesday afternoon.
In what was a pulsating affair, quick VAR check was made in the 25th minute after Kai Havertz had a penalty shout when his attempted cross seemed to hit Wataru Endo's hand, but following a review, the referee ruled that there wasn't any wrongdoing.
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After the half-hour mark, however, Die Mannschaft left-back David Raum was brought down in the box by Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda, who was subsequently shown a yellow card for his costly challenge.
The Germans subsequently took the lead from the spot in the 33rd minute after midfielder Ilkay Gundogan sent the shot-stopper in the opposite direction as he placed his spot-kick in the left-hand corner of goal. The Manchester City defender has been in fine form for his country of late – he was also the team's joint-top scorer during qualifying, alongside teammate Serge Gnabry.
The four-time world champions were also denied a second goal right before half-time when Havertz's tap-in was ruled out for offside.
In the second half, Japan stopper Shuichi Gonda was called into action much more frequently as he had to make several saves key saves from a Gnabry onslaught, while Hansi Flick's side also struck the woodwork twice after the break.
However, the 2014 World Cup winners' defence was breached with 15 minutes left to play after Japanese winger Ritsu Doan, who plies his trade in the Bundesliga for Freiburg, slotted in from inside the box after Manuel Neuer parried a shot back into play.
Germany were then stunned in the 82nd minute when Nico Schlotterbeck failed to deal with a bursting run into the box by Takuma Asano, who gave the Asians a 2-1 lead with his ferocious finish past Neuer.
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Germany boss Flick was left visibly devastated as Japan managed to held on for another famous victory in the competition.
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