Japan comes from behind to shock Germany in FIFA World Cup Group E opener

In the opening match of Group E on Wednesday at the Khalifa International Stadium, Japan pulled off a shocking upset by defeating Germany 2-1.

After losing to South Korea at the 2018 World Cup, Germany has now suffered three losses in its last four World Cup contests, including two straight defeats at the hands of Asian opponents.

Ilkay Gundogan, a four-time world champion, scored the game’s first goal by converting a penalty that left back David Raum had won.

When he tapped the ball in from close range, Kai Havertz believed he had doubled the lead, but the goal was quickly overturned because he was ineligible due to being offside at the time.

Japan came out strong in the second half, but was able to stay in the game thanks to a stunning triple save by the tenacious Shuiji Gonda. Ritsu Duan gave Japan a point moments after, and Takuma Asano put them in lead shortly after with a fierce strike that went past Manuel Neuer and inside the near post.