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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jamie Braidwood

Germany vs Japan confirmed line-ups: Team news ahead of World Cup fixture

Getty Images
German national football cover mouths in on-pitch World Cup protest

Japan stunned Germany 2-1 in their World Cup Group E opener in Qatar to leave the four-time winners facing down a group-stage exit once again.

The Germans had dominated the contest at the Khalifa International Stadium and taken the lead with a 33rd minute penalty from Ilkay Guendogan after Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda had fouled wing back David Raum.

The second goal never came, however, and Japan’s raids into the German half became more and more frequent, culminating in Doan’s equaliser and a brilliant finish from Asano eight minutes later.

The defeat was the third in a row in the opening match of a major championship for Germany after a loss to Mexico at the 2018 World Cup, when they bowed out in the first round as champions, and to France at Euro 2020.

Relive the action with our live blog below and follow coverage of Spain vs Costa Rica

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