Chaos. The drama. The show. The emotions. Everything was there, Thursday, at the conclusion of Group E. And it was Japan, not Spain and even less Germany, who finished first. A real feat.
Because after bringing down the Germans as a curtain raiser, the Blue Samurai did it again to the Spaniards on Thursday, winning 2-1.
Result: the Japanese won the group of death. Spain took second place. Germany is eliminated. And Costa Rica, momentarily a source of total chaos during their 4-2 loss to Mannschaft, finished last.
These two hours of soccer were probably the most eventful in recent World Cup history. So let’s try to sum up this crazy evening in Qatar.
Spain and Germany quickly took the lead respectively in their matches. Logical scoring openings, in favor of domination in the game, with the naked eye, and in all statistics.
Álvaro Morata hit the mark in the 11e minute for La Roja, on a fine pass from César Azpilicueta. At the Khalifa stadium, the first half ended with 83% possession in favor of the Spaniards. It’s simple: Japan virtually did not touch the ball, and were very lucky to go back to the locker room late by a single goal.
At the Al Bayt stadium, Serge Gnabry opened the scoring in the 10e for the Germans, and the period was similar, although a little more shared.
At this time, we seemed to be heading for a very quiet sequence of things.
But the Japanese, and even the Costa Ricans, hadn’t finished surprising us.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu brought on Ritsu Doan and Kaoru Mitoma at half-time, and the tide of the game changed instantly. Remember that against Germany, the Japanese had scored in quick succession in the space of a few minutes.
PHOTO BY DYLAN MARTINEZ, REUTERS
Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Group E – Japan v Spain – Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar – December 1, 2022 Japan’s Ritsu Doan celebrates after the match as Japan qualify for the knockout stages REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
So they only needed a flash or two of genius to repeat the feat.
At the 48e minute, that’s what happens. Doan allows himself a powerful shot from distance. The Spanish goalkeeper Unaï Simon touches it, but the velocity of the ball makes it go straight. It’s 1-1.
The Japanese pressure resumed even more. It’s the 51e minute. Doan, again, sends a long pass to the far post. Mitoma manages just – and still – to keep the ball in play in depth. The leather returns to the mouth and touches Ao Tanaka’s thigh. Which marks. It’s 2-1 Japan!
But is the ball out? We check on the video replay. We have the impression that the goal will be canceled.
But he is not. They say the ball stayed alive, just barely. A controversial decision, which would have dramatic repercussions.
“We had the match under control, launched Sergio Busquets on Spanish television. At least we believed it. But they were waiting for the slightest of our bullet losses to counterattack. The second half, that was it. »
Two games in one
Let’s go back and see what’s going on in this Costa Rica-Germany. At the 58e, Los Ticos equalize at 1-1, from the foot of Yeltsin Tejeda. If Costa Rica take the lead, not only do they qualify, but Spain are eliminated. Just like Germany.
At the 70e, Costa Rica scores. And leads 2-1 against the Germans.
For three minutes, we were eliminated. But I didn’t know it, I would have had a heart attack.
Luis Henrique, Spanish coach
The goal was the result of a blunder by Manuel Neuer, yet one of the great goalkeepers of international soccer. The order of world football was upside down.
Until Kai Havertz came to restore it. Barely. The Chelsea midfielder made it 2-2 at the 73e. Then put it back to the 85e ; it’s 3-2. Niclas Füllkrug confirms the German victory in the 89escoring the 4-2. But the qualification is not yet acquired.
No. For that, it takes an equalizer from Spain on the other side. Which would make both La Roja and Mannschaft pass.
But the Samurai have other ideas in mind. Their defensive block is solid. Spain continue to pass the ball; she made 968 passes in this game! Against only 153 for Japan. An absolutely staggering difference. Especially since Japan is still leading.
And Japan wins. His six points, acquired against two world powers, place him at the top. Spain, with four units, qualifies thanks to its goal differential.
“It can’t happen again,” said Álvaro Morata. Because otherwise you’re going home. They gave us two goals in five minutes. It is no longer necessary to think about it, the important thing is that we are in the round of 16. »
The Japanese will therefore face the Croats on Monday. The Spaniards have an appointment with Morocco on Tuesday.
PHOTO WOLFGANG RATTAY, REUTERS
Manuel Neuer and Jamal Musiala at the end of the meeting… and their participation in the World Cup.
And the Germans will continue to ask questions, after an early elimination in 2018 and at Euro 2020.
“I never look at other teams, it’s just us, said coach Hansi Flick. We are solely responsible. We had enough chances against Japan and Spain. »
“It looks like a horror movie,” Havertz said.
“It’s an absolute disaster,” said Thomas Müller. It hurts incredibly, because our result could have been enough. We have a feeling of helplessness. »
With Agence France-Presse