Japan Coming back in the second half made a great comeback spain 2-1 on Thursday and secured their place in the World Cup knockout stages as group winners.
Despite the defeat, Spain joined Japan in the last-16, but only on goal difference. Germanyis the victory of Costa Rica In the second game of the group.
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After this Spain appeared in complete control alvaro morata The 2010 champions took the lead after only 11 minutes and they finished the first half with around 80% possession. But Japan, who knew they needed at least a draw to have a chance of progressing, came to life at the start of the second half, scoring two goals in the first six minutes.
ritsu don Scored the first goal from outside the box in the 48th minute as Spain were caught out playing back and outside the goalkeeper unai simon Failed to get enough on his save attempt to keep it out.
Spain is still reeling from the sudden blow that Japan took in controversial circumstances.
Initially it looked as though the goal was disallowed as the ball was out of play earlier kaoru mitoma cut it back come on tanaka To bundle at close range. But after a VAR review, the goal was given, turning the entire colors of the group on its head.
a win for the time being Costa Rica above Germany Spain would have been eliminated from the competition in the second game of the group. But Germany’s victory meant that Spain progressed despite failing to equalize against Japan.
Will now face Spain Morocco in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, while Japan take on 2018 finalists Croatia on Monday.
Japan has already created history in this tournament. They are the first team from outside Asia, Africa or Oceania with multiple wins against former champions at the World Cup, and did so in the same tournament after defeating Germany in their opener.
And for the first time in its history, Japan has reached the knockout stage in consecutive World Cups. They will look to make history by advancing beyond the Round of 16 for the first time.
