Japan caused another upset in the ongoing World Cup, coming from a goal behind to beat the 2014 champions Germany 2-1 at Khalifa International Stadium.
Germany came into the contest looking to redeem itself after a disastrous 2018 campaign and looked well on its way to a comfortable win until the 75th minute when Japan fired two quickfire goals to seal a deserved win.
Ilkay Gundogan gave his side the lead with a penalty in the 33rd minute after David Raum was fouled inside the box.
The Germans continued to box possession and carve out chances at will with Kai Havertz putting the ball in the back of the net just ahead of half-time but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Daizen Maeda, who had a goal chalked off for offside, sent his effort wide of the post for Japan who ended the half on a positive note.
Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry then wasted chances for Germany after the break before Gundogan struck the post with his effort from the edge of the box.
Ritsu Doan managed to restore parity in the 75th minute putting away a rebound after Manuel Neuer parried away Takumi Minamino’s pass.
Takuma Asano then completed the comeback in the 83rd minute when he beat Nico Schlotterbeck before unleashing a shot past Neuer to complete the remarkable comeback.
Despite pushing late in the game Germany could not find an equaliser against Japan which could signal another early exit from the World Cup with games against Costa Rica and Spain on the horizon.
