A day after Saudi Arabia created one of the biggest upset at the FIFA World Cup 2022, Japan came back from behind to stun Germany 2-1 in Group E clash at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Wednesday.
Germany broke the deadlock in the first half as Ilkay Gundogan successfully converted a penalty in the 33rd minute.
Japan showed great intent in the second half, and scored two goals to open their account at the showpiece event.
Ritsu Dosan netted the equaliser in the 75th minute, after a rebound off Manuel Neuer’s hand landed straight to him inside the D. He received the ball after the German goalkeeper blocked a shot from Takumi Minamino.
Takuma Asamo, who plays for German team Bochum, then scored the winner in the 83rd minute.
This was the first time the two sides met in a competitive event. Before the start of the match, the German players covered their mouths during the team photo.
The protest by Germany came in the wake of FIFA’s decision to stop plans to wear armbands to protest discrimination in host nation Qatar.
“We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect. Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.
“It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.
“Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”