In the second massive upset of the World Cup group stage, Japan knocked off powerhouse Germany, 2-1.
Saudia Arabia gave the 2022 World Cup one of the greatest upsets in tournament history on Tuesday, beating Leo Messi and Argentina 2-1. Just over 24 hours later, Japan produced a nearly as shocking result, beating Germany 2-1.
Ilkay Gündogan put Germany up 1-0 in the 33rd minute with a goal off a penalty. But deep in the second-half (75′), Ritsu Doan got the equalizer. Less than 10 minutes later (83′), Takuma Asano put the Blue Samurai ahead with a deep run. Japan was able to hold on through seven minutes of extra time to secure the win and secure the second-most shocking result of the tournament so far, stealing a match for the team that FiveThirtyEight’s prediction model gave the sixth-best chances of winning it all before the tournament started.
How did Twitter react to Japan upsetting Germany?
OTTERLY UNBELIEVABLE https://t.co/1ZknDrZ4t6
— Chris Deeley (@ThatChris1209) November 23, 2022
Can’t even make any jokes about Germany’s imperialism because Japan is right there with them. And they both rebranded so incredibly afterwards.
— Zito (@_Zeets) November 23, 2022
Very rare that you get the pure “missing too many shots” problem in a match where you concede twice. But their xG is over 3!
— Mike L. Goodman (@TheM_L_G) November 23, 2022
Takuma Asano: https://t.co/wpdqz8A5Ge pic.twitter.com/wwccEXfM27
— Jason Weintraub (@HomeSweetSoccer) November 23, 2022
EY BUDDY, LOOK AT THIS FUCKIN' WATER BOTTLE, YOU FUCKIN' SEEIN' THIS SHIT?? pic.twitter.com/kqKGaWvIZr
— Still A Granit Xhaka Ultra (@Bloatyheader) November 23, 2022
This is looking like a 2 shots of espresso type of day.
— the children were left behind☹️ (@LessyEmma) November 23, 2022
LOOK HOW HAPPY JAPAN IS I LOVE SPORTS
— Lindsay Gibbs (@linzsports) November 23, 2022
God is punishing Germany for dragging Miroslav Klose’s old body to four World Cup tournaments just so he could beat Ronaldo’s goal record.
— Zito (@_Zeets) November 23, 2022
https://twitter.com/AurelNz/status/1595429089028239361