Doha (Qatar): Japan rallied from a goal down to shock European giants Spain 2-1 in the concluding match of Group E to emerge as group winners while booking a place in the knockouts of the FIFA World Cup. In material of losing the last league match of the group Spain qualified along with Japan to the knockout stage of the tournament.
In a night of chaotic pair of games, at the Khalifa International Stadium, Japan trailing by a 11th minute goal scored by Alvaro Morata to go into the half time break trailing 1-0.
The Samurai Blue however stormed back with full gusto in the second half to score two goals within a span of three minutes.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu drew level through Ritsu Doan in the 48th minute and went into the lead with a goal from Ao Tanaka three minutes later.
Japan, who have set a target of qualifying for the last-eight stage of the tournament, had opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over four-time winners Germany but lost to Costa Rica.
Spain on the other hand started with 7-0 drubbing of Costa Rica and followed it up with a one-all draw with Germany. (IANS)
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