Japan are through to the round of 16 of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup after walking over Spain in a surprising 2:1 win.
Going into the game, Japan had only 3 points with limited hope to score a goal. Alvaro Morata’s goal on the 11th minute saw a dominant Spanish team over the Asians until the first half break.
Japan went into the second half with a different energy, pressing high and making runs to close spaces. They equalized 3 minutes coming into the second half with a goal from Ritsu Doan. Ao Tanaka topped up for Japan with another goal at minute 51.
Spain’s substitute could not break the defense of the Japanese until the end of the match. Japan lead group E with 6 points and will face Croatia in the round of 16.