Qatar 2022: Japan Beat Spain As Both Sail Through To R16

Japan is qualified for the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup. The Samurai Blue snatched their ticket by beating Spain (2-1) on Thursday night. A defeat that does not prevent La Roja from qualifying too.

Dominant at the start of the game, the Spaniards had difficulty finding the formula to break the lock of Japan. But they eventually found the net in the 12th minute. On full speed, Gavi passed the ball to Nico Williams. The latter found César Azpilicueta, and the Chelsea defender placed on the head of Morata whose header ended up in the back of the net.

La Roja who clearly dominated the game during almost all of the first period without managing to score a second time until half-time.

Upon resumption, the Japanese coach reacted immediately with two changes. The Samuraï Bleu went four in defense and added a striker to seek qualification. And the coaching paid off, since Ritsu Doan, who came on in place of Nagatomo, equalised for the Japanese in the 48th minute. On pressure from Japan, Unai Simon tried to come out clean and played with fire. His release put Baldé in difficulty. Ritsu Dōan intercepted, placed on his left foot and unleashed cannonball that beat the goalie.

Six minutes later, the match switched in favor of the Japanese who scored a second goal in the 54th minute. Ritsu Doan, again.

The Ball passed in front of Simon’s cage and went to the far post, rescued by Mitoma straightens. Tanaka pushed the leather to the bottom of the net. After a long VAR check, the referee validated the goal. 2-1 for the Japanese.

Determined to win, the Japanese played as equals with the Spaniards and held on until the final whistle. Japan therefore qualified for the round of 16 with 6 points, as did Spain (4 points), despite their surprising defeat. Germany and Costa Rica, the other two teams in Group E, are eliminated.