Fifa World Cup: Japan reign on Spain, storm to knockout stage

A cliffhanger match till the end, the European team still makes it to last 16

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Japan's teammates celebrate after winning the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group E match between against Spain. Photo: AFP

by Leslie Wilson Jr

Published: Fri 2 Dec 2022, 12:53 AM

Last updated: Fri 2 Dec 2022, 1:03 AM

Japan scalped former champions Spain 2-1 in an absolute Group E thriller on Thursday to qualify for the last 16 stage of the Fifa World Cup in Qatar.

However, Spain who were the architects of a record-setting 7-0 victory over Costa Rica in their opening game, also edged into the knockout stage as the runners-up of the group.

Japan’s shock victory knocked sent Germany out of the second successive tournament.

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Luis Enrique’s Spain led their Japanese rivals on the back of Alvaro Morata’s 11 minute strike only to be stunned by an early second-half blitz when Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka pumped into two goals within the space of two minutes.

Spain will play Morocco in the last 16.

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Leslie Wilson Jr

Published: Fri 2 Dec 2022, 12:53 AM

Last updated: Fri 2 Dec 2022, 1:03 AM

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