Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan has slammed his Germany teammates for a shocking defeat to Japan in the World Cup opener.
Germany suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to Japan in a dramatic World Cup opener
Germany, who have won the competition four times, were mellowed after a late comeback by the spirited Japanese side.
Germany dominated play and were looking set to win the game after Gundogan had fired them ahead from the penalty spot midway through the first half.
Japan barely had a comfortable possession of the ball and played second fiddle to the more clinical Germans all through. But they ensured they kept off attacking threats and cleared their lines with precision.
Germany still maintained their dominance and made attempts to double their lead, all to no avail as the Japanese gave good account of themselves in the defense.
They stopped their opponents and relied on counter attack to upset the Germans. Nothing really happened until the 74th minute of play.
A substitute Ritsu Doan broke the goal deadlock for the Japanese as he stunned the Germans with an equaliser.
Germany stepped up their game and attempted to regain their lead, but it appeared the Japanese got their tactics right – sitting back to defend and waiting to catch their opponents on the counter.
After few minutes of a hotly contested game, Japan pulled another shocker sending the Japanese fans in the Khalifa international stadium into wild celebrations.
Another substitute, Takuma Asano, separated the tie with a powerful thunderbolt into the roof of the net after a quick counterattack by the Japanese. The Japanese took the lead after they had trailed the Germans by a lone goal.
Japan secured a big win over tournament favorites, but the Japanese technical crew deserved credits. Two substitutes made the difference for the Asians as they closed in on qualification to the round of 16.
Reacting to the defeat, Manchester City star and former Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan slammed his fellow teammates for the defeat.
Gundogan said his team “made it too easy for the Japans,” especially for the second goal which came later in the game.
“We made it too easy for Japan. The second goal in particular, that shouldn’t happen, we’re at the World Cup,” Ilkay Gundogan added.
Gundogan also attributed the defeat to the inability of his sides to convert the “numerous chances that came their way, after Manuel Neuer saved the team a few times.”
Germany takes on Spain in their next feature and it will be a tricky tie. They have to avoid a defeat if they must escape group stage exit.
In 2018, Germany surprisingly crashed out of the FIFA World Cup at the group stage after they had won it four years earlier. A defeat against Spain will spell doom for their round of 16 qualification hopes.
On the other hand, Japan takes on Costa Rica in this next feature. The Cost Ricans suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat to Spain in their opening game. A win for Japan could help the Asians to make it to the Round of 16.
