Germany v Japan: Key moments from another World Cup upset
Japan became the latest side to cause a major upset at the World Cup after coming from behind to be Germany 2-1.
Read our as-it-happened commentary below.
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90+9' The referee blows his whistle for the final time to end this match.
90+6' Leon Goretzka (Germany) volleys the ball on the edge of the box after a rebound. It's a great effort and has Shuichi Gonda scrambling, but it flies just wide of the left post.
90+4' Referee Ivan Barton signals NO PENALTY for Germany after a VAR review!
90+3' It's been a while since that incident in the box, but the ref must have received some information as he makes the VAR signal. He's going to review that earlier penalty shout! What a chance for Germany.
90' The referee signals that it is time for a substitution and Youssoufa Moukoko (Germany) will replace Serge Gnabry.
83' 1 - 2It's in the back of the net! Ko Itakura slips the ball through to Takuma Asano (Japan), and he darts into the box to unleash a magnificent shot into the top of the net. He makes it 1:2.
79' Hansi Flick has decided to make a change. Mario Gotze (Germany) replaces Jamal Musiala.
79' Substitution. Niclas Fullkrug (Germany) receives a signal from the referee and is now allowed to enter the pitch as Kai Havertz walks off.
75' 1 - 1Goal! Ritsu Doan (Japan) is quickest to react to the rebound and stabs the ball into the back of the net. It's 1:1.
71' Here comes a substitution. Ao Tanaka is given a rest as he is replaced by Ritsu Doan (Japan).
71' A header by Serge Gnabry (Germany) from very close range goes towards the right-hand post, but doesn't get past Shuichi Gonda, who makes a brilliant save.
60' OFF THE POST! Ilkay Gundogan (Germany) drifts into the box to give his teammate support. He receives a fantastic pass and shoots from close range, but it crashes against the right post! It could have been a brilliant goal, unlucky.
57' Hajime Moriyasu has decided to introduce fresh legs, with Takuma Asano (Japan) replacing Daizen Maeda.
57' Substitution. Kaoru Mitoma (Japan) on for Yuto Nagatomo.
46' Everything is set for the start of the second half.
45+7' That is it for the first half after the referee blows his whistle and the players head to their respective dressing rooms.
45+6' The goal by Germany is DISALLOWED on the advice of the video assistant referee due to an offside.
45+5' The Germany players halt their celebrations as referee Ivan Barton makes the VAR signal to review the goal, most likely to ascertain if there was an offside in the build-up play.
45+4' It's a goal! Serge Gnabry plays a lovely pass into the box and finds Kai Havertz (Germany). He tries his luck from close range and coolly strikes the ball into the back of the net.
33' 1 - 0 Goal! Ilkay Gundogan (Germany) puts the ball into the middle of the goal past the outstretched arm of Shuichi Gonda.
32' A penalty is awarded to Germany! Ivan Barton blows his whistle after Shuichi Gonda (Japan) brings one of his opponents down with a strong tackle.
26' Here’s the VAR verdict on that penalty incident – NO PENALTY for Germany! Play can continue.
26' There's a break in play and referee Ivan Barton must have got a signal in his ear as he indicates he will check that earlier penalty claim by Germany using VAR. This could be interesting!
26' Wataru Endo (Japan) appears to handle the ball in the box, but the ref turns down the penalty appeals and waves play on!
21' Joshua Kimmich (Germany) wastes an opportunity. He finds himself in acres of space and fires in a terrific shot from long range straight towards the left side of the target, but the goalkeeper makes a brilliant save and stops this one!
8' Gooal! No wait, it's been ruled out for offside. Daizen Maeda (Japan) disagrees, but the linesman is sure about his call.1' The referee blows his whistle and we are underway.
Pre-match:
Hansi Flick will lead Germany into their 17th consecutive FIFA World Cup finals on the back of a truly dominant qualifying campaign, in which they amassed a greater points tally (27; W9, L1) from their ten games than any other European nation.
Just like their more prestigious opponents, Japan also cruised to qualification for what will be their seventh successive World Cup campaign. The Samurai Blues conceded just six goals in 18 qualifiers, comfortably fending off Australia to automatically secure their place in Qatar. Hajime Moriyasu’s men didn’t enjoy the smoothest of warm-up friendlies for the tournament though, losing 1-2 to Canada thanks to a 95th minute penalty.
Germany starting XI: Manuel Neuer - Niklas Sule, Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum - Joshua Kimmich, Ilkay Gundogan - Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller, Jamal Musiala - Kay Havertz
Japan starting XI: Shuich Gonda - Gotoku Sakai, Ko Itakura, Maya Yoshida, Yuto Nagamoto - Ao Tanaka, Yasuhito Endo, Hiroki Ito - Daichi Kamada, Takefusa Kubo, Daizen Maieda
