| Despite losing to Japan, Spain made it through to the knockout stage

Doha: Despite an unexpected defeat against Japan, Spain entered the knockout stages. Japan defeated the Spanish giants 2-1 in a thrilling match at the Khalifa Stadium.

Japan entered the knockout stage as group champions. Substitute Ritsu Doan (48th minute) and Ao Tanaka (52nd minute) scored for Japan. Alvaro Morata’s lightning strike put Spain ahead in the 11th minute. Despite losing to Japan, Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 and Spain finished as runners-up. Japan’s opponents are Croatia, who are second in Group F, in the pre-quarters at Al Janoub Stadium. Spain came out in 4123 formation. Japan played in 343 formation.

Spain played attacking from the start. They constantly put the ball in front of the Japanese goal. Sergio Busquets could not capitalize on the rebound in the seventh minute. Japan also tried to shake at the opportunity. In the eighth minute Junia Ito’s shot went wide of the right side of the post. In the 12th minute, Morata headed home Cesar Azpicualata’s measured cross. Morata jumped high and scored the goal by neutralizing two defenders and goalkeeper Suchi Gonda. This is the third goal of the player in Qatar. Morata had a chance to take the lead in the 22nd minute but the goalkeeper made a save.

Japan brought the ball to the Spanish goal through quick passes. The Spanish were quick to resist the Japanese attack. As Japan switched to a rougher game, the number of fouls increased. Spain responded to Japan’s pace with tiki taka. In the first half, Japan made 127 passes and Spain made 562 passes.

Spain, who had 83 percent possession, made five goal attempts against the two. Not even once did Japan manage to get a shot on target.

The goal backfired early in the second half. Japan’s first goal came from Spain’s defense. Ritsu Doan, who replaced Take Kubo in the 48th minute, was the team’s savior in the next minute. A fierce shot by Doan who received the ball near the box from a mistake by the Spanish defense and took two steps forward. Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon punched but the ball went into the net.

Japan took the lead in the 52nd minute through Ao Tanaka. A goal was awarded at the end of the war check. Doan’s pass from the corner line was fed to Tanaka by Mitoma’s cross. The player put the ball in the net without missing the target. Spain then made two changes. Japan’s Takuma Asano had a chance to score in the 69th minute but his weak shot went wide. Many advances unfortunately went unscored. In the 89th minute, Jordi Alba’s shot hit the defense and broke. In the 90th minute, Marco Asensio’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Gonda.