Daizen Maeda has dedicated Japan’s win over germany to the fans that couldn't be in Qatar. The Samurai Blue stunned the four-time World Cup winners as they came from behind to land a potentially devastating blow to Die Mannschaft’s hopes of making it out of Group E.
They face Spain next, who hammered Costa Rica 7-0 and defeat could eliminate Hansi Flick’s side from the tournament. Celtic striker Maeda thought he’d put Japan ahead in the first half, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring from the spot before Chelsea’s Kai Havertz was also denied by the assistant’s flag.
Germany went in 1-0 up at the break and looked good to get off to a winning start. But the Japanese stepped it up after half-time and deservedly equalised through Ritsan Doan with 15 minutes left.
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