Japan advanced to the next stage after its impressive victory from behind against Spain last Thursday. As a result, Germany will be out of the tournament.
Japan, facing an early World Cup departure at halftime, set themselves a round-of-16 meeting with Croatia – the defeated finalists in 2018 – while Spain had to depend on goal difference to beat Germany. They are presently facing Morocco.
Japan’s comeback was founded on coach Hajime Moriyasu’s overhaul of his team at halftime when they were behind 1-0.
Japan Advanced to the Next Stage
Within three minutes, Ritsu Doan had smashed in a shot from outside the box that Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon, whose clumsy clearing had created the danger in the first place, could not keep out.
In the 51st minute, Ao Tanaka scored from close range as Japan’s raucous traveling fans struggled to catch their breath.
It took many minutes for the VAR system to certify that the ball had not gone out before Mitoma’s touch. However, replays revealed that a sliver of the ball had not crossed the line, prompting frenzied celebrations reminiscent of Japan’s 2-1 comeback triumph against Germany last week.
Spain Controlled the First Half
According to the FIFA World Cup betting guide, Spain appeared to be in complete control in the first half, but they were suddenly clutching to their World Cup hopes as Germany and Costa Rica battled out in the other Group E encounter.
Germany triumphed 4-2, but the margin of victory was insufficient to keep them in the tournament.
Pay per head sportsbook experts said Alvaro Morata scored his third goal in three games for Spain in the 11th minute, rising above Japan’s defenders to force a header past goalie Shuichi Gonda from a cross by his former Chelsea colleague Cesar Azpilicueta.
In the final minutes, winger Dani Olmo got the closest to a leveler, but Gonda comfortably collected his angled drive.
Based on the best bookie pay per head reports, Japan finished first in Group E, followed by Spain in second, who ended ahead of third-placed Germany on goal difference.
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