The results of Group E for the 2022 World Cup, which pitted Japan against Spain, were surprisingly won by Japan.
The match which was held on Friday (02/12/2022) ended for Japan’s victory with a score of 2-1.
Japan was able to win through a sweet comeback that put it at the top of Group E.
Spain took the lead first through Alvaro Morata’s goal in the 11th minute.
In the second half, Japan was able to make a comeback through Ritsu Doan’s goals in the 48th minute and Ao Tanaka in the 51st minute.
In this match, Spain implemented a 4-3-3 formation by relying on the midfield trio of Pedri, Gavi and Sergio Busquets.
Meanwhile, Japan, which must win if they want to qualify for the last 16, appeared in a 3-4-3 formation.
During the 90 minutes of the game, Spain appeared very dominant by scoring eighty-three possessions and taking twelve shots at goal with five of them on target.
Meanwhile, Japan only had seventeen percent possession of the ball and took six shots at goal with three of them on target.
Even though Spain has such prominent statistics, the fact is that Japan was able to appear more effective by scoring two goals while Spain only scored one goal.
In the first half Spain immediately dominated the match and made threats to the Japanese defense.
The result was in the 11th minute ‘Alvaro Morata was able to score against Japan after receiving a pass from Azpilicueta.
The temporary score changed 1-0 in favor of Spain.
The first half is still running Spain is still trying to add goals.
But no goals were created in the remainder of this first half.
The second half started both teams immediately took the initiative to attack.
Japan actually managed to equalize the score at 1-1 after Ritsu Doan was able to score in the 48th minute.
Ritsu Doan’s left foot shot failed to be dammed by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Disaster finally came to the Spanish National Team camp.
Japan was able to score a goal through Ao Tanaka in the 51st minute.
Actually the goal was disallowed because the ball was deemed out of the field.
But finally the goal was approved after the referee checked the VAR and changed the score for Japan’s advantage to 2-1.
The score lasts until the long whistle is blown by the referee.
This result made Japan qualify for the round of 16 as Group E winners and will meet Croatia.
While Spain must be willing to be runners up in Group E and will face Morocco in the round of 16.
