Crazy turnaround: Japan celebrate their quick-fire double to down Spain in Doha
(Picture: REUTERS)Japan produced an extraordinary turnaround against Spain to storm into the World Cup knockout rounds and top Group E, sending Germany home on another wild night of drama in Qatar.
Having been passed into submission by Spain in the first half, Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka both struck in quick succession almost immediately after action resumed to take Japan through with another famous victory.
Spain were given an almighty scare when Costa Rica came from behind to lead Germany, a result that would have sent Luis Enrique’s side out as well, but late goals at Al Bayt Stadium ensured that they held on to second spot.
Japan’s prize for topping the group is a meeting with 2018 finalists Croatia, while Spain encounter near neighbours Morocco.
Enrique’s side had taken an early lead inside 15 minutes, with Morata marking his first start of the group stage with his third goal of the World Cup, the striker rising impressively at the far post to direct Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross home.
What followed was a performance constructed in classical Spanish style – suffocating pressing to win the ball when out of possession and serene passing when the ball was, swiftly and inevitably, won back by Spanish feet.
It looked as if the Spaniards were cruising through, but in five second-half minutes, the match swung. The half-time introductions of Doan and Kaoru Mitoma gave Japan renewed purpose, with a quick-fire double powering a remarkable turnaround.
First, Doan pounced on an error from Unai Simon to fire in a thunderbolt from 20 yards, before Mitoma hooked the ball back for Tanaka to convert from close range – the goal eventually awarded after a long VAR check decided that Mitoma had somehow prevented the entirety of the ball from crossing the line.
Such a dramatic fluctuation seemed sure to precipitate more drama, but as events elsewhere shifted the situation, Japan held firm – with Spain squeaking through on goal difference.
