Japan advanced to the second round of World Cup Qatar 2022 with a 2-1 victory over Spain at Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar Thursday.
Japan came from behind to take the three points that lifted them to the top of Group E and onto a second round fixture with Croatia in three days.
Alvaro Morata put the Spanish in the lead early in the first half. But Japan replied right after half time. First Ritsu Doan scored with a shot from outside the penalty area. And then Ao Tanaka scrambled the ball across the line to give his side a surpise lead.
Spain finished second in the group and so still advances to face Group F winners Morocco. Germany and Costa Rica were eliminated from the World Cup.
Game action between Japan and Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Game action between Japan and Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Game action between Japan and Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Spain celebrates Alvaro Morata scoring againts Japan at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Game action between Japan and Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Japan’s Ritsu Doan scores against Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Japan’s Ao Tanaka scores the winning goal against Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Japan’s Ao Tanaka celebrates scoring against Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Game action between Japan and Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Game action between Japan and Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Game action between Japan and Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Game action between Japan and Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Game action between Japan and Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Game action between Japan and Spain at World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Japanese fans celebrate advancing to the knockout round of World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
Japanese fans celebrate advancing to the knockout round of World Cup Qatar 2022 at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. Photo: Stuart Gradon/Total Soccer News
