Tension was palpable in a fascinating Group E finale, though Spain didn’t initially appear in the mood for drama similar to that witnessed in Group C yesterday. Beginning this game with their youngest starting 11 since 2006, which was shepherded by Spanish veteran Sergio Busquets, the only remaining 2010 winner in the squad, La Roja maintained their famed ‘Tiki-Taka’ style throughout a dominant first half display.
Spain struck just 12 minutes in, when Álvaro Morata, handed a start after becoming the first Spanish substitute to score in successive FWC games, nodded César Azpilicueta’s whipped cross past Shūichi Gonda. Japan seemed aware of their perilous situation and dug deep to remain in the contest, though the ball was so often beyond their grasp, with Mexican waves encircling the stands as Enrique’s side put on a first-half passing clinic.
In a real game of two halves, Hajime Moriyasu’s words and substitutions at the break made an instant impact, as Japan struck back in stunning fashion through a quickfire double just minutes after the restart. First equalising through Ritsu Doan’s spectacular drive, the Spanish contingent inside the Khalifa International Stadium was stunned into silence as Ao Tanaka tapped into an open net after chaos in La Roja’s penalty area.
All of Spain’s first-half composure slipped away and with Costa Rica equalising against Germany, Enrique’s side knew that another goal from the Central Americans would mean they exited the tournament completely in a dramatic turnaround of fortunes. This meant the Asturian manager was forced into several changes as his side strived to protect their FWC fate.
News of a Costa Rica second injected panic into the Spanish players at the 70-minute mark, who appeared to be in disbelief at the sudden wave of blue shirts crashing upon them. Whilst Germany would go on to win that contest, Spain’s youngsters had to fight tooth and nail in the final stages against a Japan side fired on by their fervent support, and despite not being able to force their way back into the game, La Roja avoided an early exit by the smallest of margins as they lived to fight another day.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ritsu Doan (Japan)
