DOHA: Japan have provided the second major shock of the FIFA World Cup with a stunning comeback 2-1 win over Germany at the Khalifa International Stadium here on Wednesday.
The four-time world champions took a first-half lead through Ilkay Gundogan's coolly dispatched penalty and looked likely to add to their advantage early in the second half.
Germany looked in total command in the Group E clash but, with each missed chance, left the door open for Japan, who showed almost nothing in attack until a series of substitutions injected some energy in the second half.
Germany's early dominance was rewarded when Joshua Kimmich picked out David Raum in acres of space in the box and goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda clumsily brought him down as he turned, with Guendogan dispatching the penalty in the 33rd minute.
The Samurai Blue became increasingly adventurous as the match wore on and, having threatened Manuel Neuer's goal on more than one occasion, pulled level with 15 minutes remaining through substitute Ritsu Doan's opportunistic close-range finish.
A shock then turned into a sensation eight minutes later when Takuma Asano burst through on the right, amid some less-than-impressive German defending, to blast a ferocious and, ultimately, historic shot into the roof of Neuer's net.
Germany launched all-out attack from then on, to no avail, and now face a potentially must-win game next against Spain.
Japan next face Costa Rica and will already be dreaming of the last 16. Agencies
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