2022 World Cup Group E: Japan vs Spain (2-1)

Lore & Background

This match is the second chapter of Japan's 2022 World Cup saga, following their 2-1 comeback victory over Germany. Facing Spain—a team renowned for tiki-taka possession—Japan again fell behind early to a Morata header. Yet, in a mirror of the Germany match, manager Hajime Moriyasu's second-half substitutions transformed the game. Ritsu Doan equalized with a deflected shot that wrong-footed Unai Simón, and then Ao Tanaka scored the winner from a goal-line scramble, with VAR confirming the ball had not fully crossed the byline before Mitoma's desperate, inch-perfect assist. The victory was emblematic of Japan's 'samurai spirit'—resilience, tactical flexibility, and clinical finishing. It also marked the first time Japan had won two matches in a single World Cup, and they became the first Asian nation to top a World Cup group containing two former champions. The result sent shockwaves through the football world, silencing critics and reinforcing Japan's status as a rising force unafraid to dismantle dynasties.

In Their Own Story

The desert night air crackled with tension. Japan knew only a win would guarantee progression. Spain, calm and methodical, struck first—Morata ghosting in to head home from Azpilicueta's cross. At halftime, the dream flickered, a familiar ache settling in. But in the Japan dressing room, Moriyasu whispered a promise: 'We have done this before.'

Out they came, unleashed. Doan's shot swerved past Unai Simón, a deflected lifeline. Then, chaos. Mitoma chased a lost ball to the byline, hooking it back from inches out—1.88 millimeters from oblivion. Tanaka stabbed it home. The stadium held its breath as VAR reviewed—was it out? The goal stood. Japan erupted. Spain slumped. A nation wept with joy, the roar echoing across continents.

Reader's Guide

Spain dominated possession early, as expected, with Gavi and Pedri pulling strings in midfield. Morata's 11th-minute header from a César Azpilicueta cross gave La Roja the lead, a dagger of precision. Japan struggled to create chances in the first half, managing only one shot—a whisper against a storm. Moriyasu's halftime changes were decisive: Doan and Mitoma injected pace and directness, turning the tide. Doan's equalizer in the 48th minute—a speculative shot that deflected off a defender—ignited the comeback. The winner came in the 51st minute: Mitoma chased a ball heading out of play, hooked it back from the goal line with millimeters to spare, and Tanaka tapped in. VAR confirmed the ball had not fully crossed the line, a verdict that hinged on geometry. Japan then defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Shuichi Guchi making key saves to preserve the lead, each stop a heartbeat. For Japanese fans, this was vindication—a statement that their team belonged among the world's elite. The match is remembered for its tactical drama, VAR controversy, and the sheer audacity of Japan's back-to-back comebacks, a saga of defiance written in sweat and spirit.

Did You Know?

• This was Japan's first-ever World Cup win over Spain in three meetings.
• Ao Tanaka's goal was initially ruled out by the assistant referee, but VAR overturned the decision after a lengthy review—a moment that hung on the edge of a blade.
• Japan became the first Asian team to defeat two former World Cup champions (Germany and Spain) in the same tournament.
• Kaoru Mitoma's assist came from a ball that was estimated to be just 1.88 millimeters from going out of play—closer than the thickness of a coin.