ISI Photos Although we played a great game for long periods of time, the game is also marked in terms of how many goals you can convert into. “Japan had an earlier ‘goal’ from Daizen Makada, but Hansi Flick’s team quickly won the game after a clumsy challenge by Shuichi Gonda against David Raum gave them a penalty. Ilkay Gundogan scored from the spot (33). Doan (75), who was substituted for the injured Manuel Neuer, scored from close range. Sport It’s a huge surprise. It’s a big surprise. Gundogan was then pushed off the ball by Junya Ito, who drove down the right flank. Maeda scored his cross, but he was a yard offside. Germany soon found their feet and had a series of chances after the 20 minute mark. Joshua Kimmich saw his attempt from the distance be denied by Gonda, before Gundogan took the rebound. After a Man City midfielder attempted to score, Gonda blocked his attempt. Gundogan then skied the rebound. Germany continued to dominate the match and appeared to have a second goal in the third minute. Getty Images Sport Jamal Musiala, an impressive player, drove down the left and set up the midfielder 15 yards out. Gundogan’s attempt to score went wide, but it smashed against the bottom of the goalpost. In the 70th minute, Jonas Hoffman, Gnabry were also denied by Gonda. But Japan was soon on the rebound. Neuer’s first save of game, Asano, came shortly after. In the build-up Japan’s equaliser, he made another great stop, getting a hand on Takumi Minamino’s cut-back. However, Doan was waiting inside the area to slot home from close quarters. Asano was found behind the defense by a long ball to the right. The forward drove into the area.
He managed to hold off Nico Schlotterbeck, before pushing the ball into the far corner. As Leon Goretzka attempted to score, Neuer came up to assist. However, it was unsuccessful. Minister wears OneLove armbandAhead of the kick-off, Germany players covered their mouths in their team picture in an apparent freedom of speech protest.It came after a number of European football associations were threatened with FIFA sanctions if they wore a “OneLove” armband during the World Cup.The DFB later tweeted about the gesture, saying: “With our captain’s armband, we wanted to set an example for values that we live in the national team: diversity and mutual respect. “Be loud with other nations. This is not a political message. Human rights are non-negotiable. This should be obvious. Unfortunately, it isn’t. This is why we feel this message is so important. Banning us from the bandage would be like banning our mouths. Our stance is firm. Our stance stands. We can only blame our selves. It’s a huge disappointment. “We were on the right track in the first half. We had 78% possession and were leading 1-0. We had great opportunities in the second half, but we didn’t capitalize on them. “Japan was simply more efficient today. We made mistakes that we shouldn’t have, especially at a World Cup.
These are the areas that we need to fix. Manuel Neuer, Germany goalkeeper: “I am completely frustrated and angry that this game was lost. It was not necessary. We didn’t have the same game flow after the break and we did not play with the same confidence in the second half. “We are now under pressure right from the beginning. This was also the most important part of how you begin a tournament, but we screwed it up. “Japan coach Hajime moriyasu: We wanted to play aggressively and dominate the game. Germany is very strong so we had to defend and take our chances. “At the final they came at us full power, in past times maybe we would have lost, but the players have played in Germany and Europe so they’ve learned so many things from that, so they held on. “United as one, it was important that we remained strong until the end to seize our chance. “Pundits: A massive shock”Sky Sports’ Gary Neville (ITV): “Absolutely, I anticipated Germany to win that match. It’s a huge shock. Japan is not a mug, but it just proves that even if you don’t quite get it, you can still be pleasantly surprised. The second goal surprised me because Manuel Neuer turned his body so that the ball could pass him. Neuer is a strong goalkeeper who is known for his determination. This result will shock the tournament.
“Sky Sports’ Graeme Souness, ITV: It’s a tremendous blow. If you’re a coach and if your Spanish manager is, the result has in part filled your team talk [against Costa Rica]. He’ll remind them that they can slip up tonight if they’re not careful. “Sky Sports’ Roy Keane, ITV: “Of course, this result hasn’t just come out from nowhere. But when you’re playing Germany – we talked about them learning from past mistakes of last World Cup – you’re 1-0 down. It’s a long journey back, so the [Japan] manger deserves huge credit. He had to make these changes as it was part his game plan to refresh the organization. They were very clinical. Although there were doubts about Neuer’s second goal, you can’t deny their victory. They brought the spirit, fight, and energy to the party. But they have also shown intelligence and great quality. “Often you see substitutes who are slow to pick up the game, but they all had an impact on their teammates. They all had an impact on the game. “They have lifted their country. What does the result mean? Germany is third in Group E after Spain beat Costa Rica 7 to 0. Japan is second behind the 2010 winners. He displayed exceptional skill throughout the match, especially in the second half. He is expected to be a star in Qatar.