Qatar World Cup: Japan comeback downs lacklustre Germany in second shock of tournament
Japan downed Germany in a shock 2-1 win on Wednesday in the Qatar World Cup, coming from behind to sink the sixth favourites.
Two late goals from substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano - both coming in the last 15 minutes of play - were enough to secure victory.
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Germany were cruising when Ilkay Gundogan scored a 33rd minute penalty, awarded after Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda had fouled wing-back David Raum. But it proved insufficient as Japanese confidence grew and Germany continued to draw blanks.
Despite being a major coup for Japan, who will face Spain and Costa Rica in their remaining group matches, this is far from the biggest upset of the tournament so far.
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 in one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
The Gulf kingdom declared a national holiday following the stunning victory, with all employees in the public and private sectors getting a day off work.
Despite Qatar's opening day loss to Ecuador, it has been a strong start for Arab teams at the first-ever tournament to be held in the Middle East.
As well as the Saudi victory, on Tuesday, Tunisia secured a crucial point after an inspiring display in a 0-0 draw with Denmark. On Wednesday, Morocco earned a solid draw against 2018 finalists Croatia.
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