‘A big shock across the football world’ was how one BBC journalist put it following Germany’s 2-1 defeat to Japan in their opening game of the World Cup. While the defeat may not have been as catastrophic as Brazil’s, Germany were still beaten, which has prompted many to question their ability to qualify for the tournament in Russia next year. Despite being on a high after the 1-0 win over Russia, the Germans were outplayed by a Japan side who lacked a natural leader on the pitch.
Gundogan’s goal was the 12th penalty Germany have scored at a World Cup
‘Ilkay Gundogan scored the opening goal for Germany against Japan in the World Cup. It was his eighth goal in 42 matches for Germany between 2011 and 2020. He had previously been capped by Germany’s youth teams at under-18 and under-21 level.
The Manchester City star’s goal was the third penalty Germany have scored at a major tournament. Gundogan is now the club’s captain. He is also captain for his country.
The Germany side had set a new World Cup record for possession during the first half. But Japan re-took the lead in the second half. Japan had a lot of chances, but Germany defended well.
Germany lost their first World Cup game since 1986, and finished bottom of the group. They are looking to avoid a humiliating exit. They are also desperate to make amends in the 2022 World Cup.
Japan were forced to take a penalty after Gonda clipped Gundogan inside the box. The goalkeeper then repaid him with a double save. Japan had a number of breakaway half-chances, but Germany held firm.
Japan’s ability to remain calm
Despite Germany’s early exit from the World Cup, Japan is still in the hunt. The Japanese team is in its seventh straight World Cup and is looking to make it to the quarterfinals for the first time. During their time in Russia, the Japanese team has exhibited a lot of resilience.
Japan is a country with the third-largest economy in the world and the infrastructure to co-host the World Cup in 2002. Its population is about 125 million people. It has a very prominent domestic league.
Germany were one of the favorites to win the tournament and went into their match against Japan as the team to beat. However, Germany’s dominance in the first half was overshadowed by Japan’s counterattacks. The Japanese scored twice in eight minutes to tie the game.
Japan’s 2-1 win over Germany was a feat in itself. The Japanese team had never defeated Germany before. It also showed its resilience to win. The Japanese team had been knocked out of six of the previous seven World Cups.
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Argentina succumbed to an identical 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia
Argentine football’s nemesis, Saudi Arabia, shocked the soccer world on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over the two-time champions in the World Cup. This is the first time an Arab nation has defeated Argentina in World Cup history.
Argentina had been on a 36-match unbeaten streak before the game. They were in Group C with Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia. In the first half, they had no shots on goal. Argentina’s goal was scored by a penalty from Lionel Messi in the 10th minute.
In the second half, Argentina poured pressure on the Saudis, but they could not score. Saudi Arabia’s Salem Aldawsari scored the first goal of the game in the 53rd minute, driving a powerful shot past the far post. Aldawsari has been recognized as one of the best players in the world several times. He is also the Saudi Arabia national coach.
Mohammed Al-Awais, the Saudi goalkeeper, had an amazing game. He threw himself across the goal when time and again. He also kept Argentina out of the back of the net. During the last 14 minutes of stoppage time, Al-Awais made two diving saves.
Flick’s lack of a natural leader on the pitch
Despite a recent uptick in performances, Germany have struggled to win games under new coach Hansi Flick. A combination of tactical issues and defensive errors has seen the country score just four goals in six games. The issue is less about individual battles in the forward line and more about errors in defence.
Flick has started just 13 of Germany’s 16 games since taking over. His only three-man back line was against England in June, and he has only used a 4-3-1-2 formation once in 15 games. In addition to this, the German coach has given his first senior call-ups to Youssoufa Moukoko and Niclas Fullkrug. This is in contrast to the team’s previous three coaches, who each started a full dozen players.
In addition to these players, Flick will be able to use former Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz as a false nine. He can play anywhere in the attack, and has natural left-footedness.
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