The 2022 World Cup 'Miracle of Doha' (vs Germany & Spain)

Lore & Background

Japan entered Group E as heavy underdogs, drawn alongside Germany and Spain, both multiple-time World Cup winners. In their opening match against Germany, Japan fell behind to an Ilkay Gündogan penalty but roared back in the second half with goals from substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano, securing a 2-1 victory. The win sent shockwaves through the football world and set the stage for an even more dramatic encounter against Spain.

In Their Own Story

Against Spain, Japan again trailed 1-0 at halftime after Álvaro Morata's header. In the second half, substitutes again turned the tide: Ritsu Doan equalized with a fierce shot, and then Ao Tanaka tapped in a controversial goal from a Kaoru Mitoma cross that was kept in play by the barest of margins. The goal stood after a VAR review, and Japan held on to win 2-1, topping the group and eliminating Germany in the process.

Reader's Guide

The 2022 World Cup marked a turning point for Japanese football, proving that tactical flexibility and mental strength could overcome superior individual talent. Manager Hajime Moriyasu's bold substitutions and high-pressing second-half strategy became the hallmark of the campaign. The wins over Germany and Spain were built on a foundation of disciplined defending and rapid counter-attacks, with substitutes like Doan and Mitoma providing game-changing energy. This era demonstrated Japan's evolution from plucky underdogs to genuine giant-killers on the global stage, though the team fell to Croatia in the Round of 16 on penalties. The 'Miracle of Doha' remains a defining moment in Japanese football history.

Did You Know?

• Japan became the first Asian team to defeat two former World Cup winners in the same tournament.
• The winning goal against Spain was initially ruled out for the ball going out of play, but VAR confirmed it was still in.
• Both comeback victories featured goals from substitutes, highlighting Japan's squad depth.
• Japan's group-stage performance was the most successful by an Asian nation at a World Cup since South Korea in 2002.