FIFA World Cup 2022: Twitter reacts as Japan defeat Spain in Group E stage

Japan has also made history by making it to the round of 16 in back-to-back World Cups.

File photo of Japan players(image: twitter/FIFA)
By Mahaksh Chauhan | Dec 2, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Japan rallied from a goal down in the second half to defeat Spain 2-1 on Thursday and advance to the World Cup knockout stages as group winners. Despite the defeat, Spain joins Japan in the round of 16 on goal difference, thanks to Germany’s win against Costa Rica in the other last game of Group E. After Alvaro Morata gave the 2010 champions the lead after just 11 minutes, Spain appeared to be in complete control. They also had nearly 80% of the possession in the first half. However, Japan roared to life at the start of the second half, scoring two goals in the first six minutes as they realised they needed at least a draw to have a chance of moving on.

Ritsu Doan, who had come on at halftime, scored the opening goal on 48 minutes from outside the box as Spain were caught playing out of the back. Goalkeeper Unai Simon couldn’t get enough on his attempt to stop it. Spain was still reeling from the unexpected turn of events when Japan controversially took the lead. When Kaoru Mitoma cut the ball back for Ao Tanaka to bundle in from close range, it initially appeared as though the goal had been disallowed because it had appeared to roll out of play. But after a VAR review, the goal was awarded, completely altering the group’s dynamic.

At that point, Spain would have been eliminated from the competition had Costa Rica defeated Germany in the group’s other match. Nevertheless, Spain advanced despite failing to tie Japan thanks to a victory for Germany. Spain will now play Morocco on Tuesday in the round of 16, and Japan will play 2018 champions Croatia on Monday. In Qatar, Japan has already made history. After defeating Germany in their opening match, they are the first team from Asia, Africa, or Oceania to defeat multiple former World Cup champions in the same tournament. Japan has also made history by making it to the round of 16 in back-to-back World Cups. By making it past the round of 16, they will attempt to write more history.

Read More- FIFA World Cup 2022: Twitter reacts as Germany defeat Costa Rica in Group E stage

Best Twitter Reactions

Twitter was buzzing as the people were going crazy about Japan team to defeat Spain in World Cup 2022 group stage match. Lets see some tweets and memes from some fans from all over the world.