Japan produced another upset in a thrilling World Cup to stun Spain with a 2-1 comeback victory and secure top spot in Group E – a result which eliminated Germany.
Spain had looked in total control at half-time after taking the lead through Alvaro Morata’s early header.
Japan, though, turned things around in the space of five minutes at the start of the second half when substitute Ritsu Doan equalised before Ao Tanaka netted another – which was allowed to stand following a lengthy VAR review after the ball had appeared to have gone out of play.
Germany was eliminated from the group stage of the World Cup for the second tournament in a row.
In the other group game four-time champions Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 but it wasn’t enough to reach the round of 16.
“I was just in the changing room and as you can imagine, the disappointment is huge,” Germany coach Hansi Flick said.
Playing as defending champions at the last World Cup, Germany also was knocked out in the group stage.