Breaking News

World Cup: Japan stun Germany 2-1

Japan, on Wednesday, pulled off the second stunning upset of the Qatar World Cup by beating Germany in a dramatic comeback.

In echoes of Argentina’s humiliating defeat to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Germany took the lead through a first-half penalty but goals from substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano in the last 15 minutes gave Japan a stunning 2-1 upset over the four-times champions in their World Cup Group E opener.

The Germans had dominated the contest at the Khalifa International Stadium and taken the lead with a 33rd minute penalty from Ilkay Guendogan after Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda had fouled wing back David Raum.

READ ALSO: Ronaldo handed ban, fine for smashing Everton supporter’s phone

However, Japan‘s raids into the German half became more frequent, culminating in Doan’s equaliser and a brilliant finish from Asano eight minutes later.

The defeat was the third in a row in the opening match of a major championship for Germany after a loss to Mexico at the 2018 World Cup, when they bowed out in the first round as champions, and to France at Euro 2020.

With Costa Rica and fellow World Cup holders Spain still to play, Germany now face an uphill battle to escape the Group of Death.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Stock market extends bullish trend as investors gain N687bn

The Nigerian stock market sustained its bullish run on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as investors…

4 minutes ago

Real Madrid, Arsenal, PSG advance to Champions League quarter-finals

Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Arsenal all booked their places in the UEFA Champions…

8 minutes ago

Mutfwang sacks 6 appointees, suspends one

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has sacked six of his appointees and suspended one other.…

12 minutes ago

NFF appeals FIFA’s verdict confirming DR Congo for 2026 World Cup play-off

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commenced an appeal against FIFA’s decision rejecting its petition…

17 minutes ago

Court orders Fidelity Bank to refund customer N337.9m over excess charges

An Imo State High Court sitting in Owerri has ordered Fidelity Bank Plc to refund…

1 hour ago

Refineries spend N5.7trn on imported oil despite naira-for-crude policy

Nigeria’s oil sector paradox deepened in 2025 as local refineries spent about N5.734 trillion importing…

1 hour ago

This website uses cookies.