After defeating Germany 2-1 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Japanese football team astonished the world and football fans alike.
Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano scored goals for the Asian squad in a dramatic comeback, which caused amusement and shock at the Khalifa International Stadium. Since 1978, the German team has not lost after taking the lead at halftime.
The four-time World Cup champions professed shock and said the Japanese team caught them off guard. Germany likewise finished a terrible performance when they concluded the group stages in 2018.
“It is ludicrous that we are here with a defeat. We played a good game over long periods. But a game is also marked by the chances that you convert into goals,” said striker Thomas Muller.
“It’s a big surprise. We saw the Saudi victory over Argentina – the Asian countries are reaching the global standard,” said the Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu.
“With this defeat and zero points, we are under pressure, no question about it. We can only blame ourselves, and it’s a great disappointment. We were on the right path in the first half. And we had 78 percent possession and were ahead 1-0. But, then, we had good chances in the second half that we didn’t take advantage of,” said Hansi Flick, the Germany manager.
“Japan was simply more efficient today. However, we made mistakes that we should never commit, especially in a World Cup, and those are the things that we need to improve on,” he added.
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Germany’s protest at the FIFA World Cup
European football organizations cautioned FIFA members that wearing a “OneLove” armband during the event might result in penalties. However, the Federal Minister of the Interior and Community Nancy Faeser broke the ban and wore one, as did the German team.
In addition, when taking a team photo, the German players covered their lips in protest. This represents support for speech freedom, according to sources.
“With our captain’s armband, we wanted to set an example for values that we live in the national team: diversity and mutual respect,” said the DFB.
“Be loud together with other nations. This is not about a political message: human rights are non-negotiable. That should go without saying. But unfortunately, it still isn’t. That is why this message is so important to us. Banning us from the bandage is like banning our mouths. Our stance stands.”
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A shift
The Japanese coach said that they intended to control the game. He acknowledged that Germany was a potent adversary, though. They, therefore, must stay focused throughout the entire game.
He claimed that while the German squad attacked them with full force, the Japanese team ‘hang tough until the final whistle’ while trying to seize any potential opportunities.
“Absolutely, I expected Germany to win that game. It’s a massive shock. Japan are no mugs, but it shows that you will get a big surprise when you’re not quite at it. What surprised me with the second goal was that Manuel Neuer turned his body to allow the ball to go past him,” said sports enthusiast Gary Neville.
“Usually, Neuer stands up strong and is a brilliant goalkeeper. The result will send shockwaves through the tournament.”
Photo Credit: Sky Sports
Source: CNBC
