After Argentina's shocking loss to Saudi Arabia, Germany was beaten by Japan coming from behind.

What a touch that was by Asano, to control the long ball from Itakura. Playing his 114th international match, captain Manuel Neuer stood stunned with the first post narrow angle shot, which went past him to give them the lead. Japan went for the break with just 18% possession. There were no shots on target and no chance of a turnaround. Similar to that of Argentina, Germany took the lead in the first half through a Gundogan penalty. After that, there were offside goals ruled off for Germany also, like Argentina. But, eventually, it was Japan's second half hard work that paid off. They fought for every fifty fifty balls, covering the field, and saving shots.

Score

Germany 1 (Gundogan P 33')

Japan 2(Doan 75', Asano 83')

Japan had just 2% winning probability at a point, with 88% for Germany. But, the beautiful game again proved why it is the best. Japan, who has scored 21 goals previously using substitutes, strike again using another subbed in player. Doan came just 4 minutes before he got the shot on target successfully. Mitoma drove in from the left and found Minamino, who also came in as a substitute, behind defenders. His initial try was pushed away by Neuer, but Doan plu ged onto the loose ball to score. Three substitutes combined to score.

Germany took 26 shots, 9 of them on target. Japan's keeper, in a scintillating performance, made 8 saves. Many of them almost went in, and were breathtaking, match saving  interventions. With new players on the field, Japan switched into attacking play, changing into back three. 2 shots bounced off the goal frame. 6 shots were blocked and they missed more.

This is the second time Germany lost to Asian team, after a 2-0 loss against Korea in Russia, 2018. The group of death is going to be more interesting, with Spain and Costa Rica being the other two teams. Now, Germany needs to win their remaining 2 matches to stay in the tournament. Next is against Spain on 28 November.