2022 World Cup Group E: Blue Samurai Tebas Matador But Both Released To The Last 16

Ao Tanaka scored the equaliser for Japan against Spain (Twitter @fifaworldcup)

JAKARTA - The decisive match for Group E of the 2022 World Cup on Friday morning WIB between Japan vs Spain was won by the Blue Samurai with a score of 2-1. Meanwhile Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 but failed to qualify for the knockout round.

With this result, Japan and Spain both advanced to the last 16.

Alvaro Morata leads Spain's first eleven players who have been overhauled against Japan who are both trying to ensure qualification for the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup, in the final Group E match.

One point is enough for the 2010 World Cup winner to qualify for the last 16.

Morata replaces Marco Asensio up front, after scoring goals against Germany and Costa Rica as a substitute.

Spain also included left-back Alejandro Balde for its full international debut. Likewise winger Nico Williams, on the other hand Jordi Alba and Ferran Torres off the bench.

Japan, which was required to win to advance to the knockout round, also made five changes from the team that gave up 0-1 to Costa Rica.

Junya Ito, Takefusa Kubo, Daizen striker Maeda and midfielder Ao Tanaka all returned to their first eleven players, while Shogo Taniguchi replaced Miki Yamane at right-back. Midfielder Wataru Endo was absent due to injury.

Playing at Khalifa International Stadium, the Matador Team took the lead quickly through the goal of Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata in the 12th minute. However, being equalized by the Blue Samurai through Ritsu Doan when the second half had only been running for three minutes.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu's children even reversed the lead through Ao Tanaka just three minutes later. The score 2-1, brought Japan through to the last 16, winning Group E.

Another famous Japan win sees them top a wild Group E 🇯🇵@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022

Line-up

Japan (3-4-3): Shuichi Gonda; Shogo Taniguchi, Kou Itakura, Maya Yoshida (captain); Junya Ito, Hidemasa Morita, Ao Tanaka, Yuto Nagatomo; Daichi Kamada, Daizen Maeda, Takefusa Kubo.

Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Alejandro Balde, Rodri Hernandez, Pau Torres, Cesar Azpilicueta; Pedri, Sergio Busquets (captain), Gavi; Dani Olmo, Alvaro Morata, Nico Williams.

German striker Niclas Fuellkrug was not installed by coach Hansi Flick at their starting XI for the decisive match against Costa Rica even though he scored an equalizer against Spain.

Flick made one change to his line-up, by installing Leroy Sane to replace right-back Thilo Kehrer.

Joshua Kimmich mengawal posisi bek kanan, sedangkan Sane memperkuat empat pemain di lini serangan Jerman.

Sane, who missed the match against Japan with a knee injury and was just played off the bench against Spain, will face the 50th match against Germany.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica coach Fernando Suarez made three changes. Defender Francisco Calvo missed tonight's game due to accumulated yellow cards following the 1-0 win against Japan and was replaced by Juan Pablo Vargas.

Midfielder Brandon Aguilera and striker Johan Venegas replaces Gerson Torres and Anthony Contreras.

This match will be led by Stephanie Frappart of France, who made history as the first woman to referee a men's World Cup match.

Both teams have three players who have yellow cards. Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Kehrer got cards against Spain, while the Costa Rica camp found Joel Campbell, Contreras and Borges carded against Japan.

In the match which took place at the Al Bayt Stadium, Germany took the lead through Serge Gnabry in the first 10 minutes. Then, the same as Yeltsin Tejeda when the second half was running for seven minutes.

Both teams tried to find the winning goal by attack after attack. As a result, Los Ticos took the lead through Juan Pablo Vargas' goal in the 70th minute. Not wanting to be humiliated, Der Panzer quickly responded through Kai Haver's right-footed shot from inside the penalty box three minutes later.

The Chelsea striker scored his second goal in the 85th minute and Niclas Fullkrug completed Germany's 4-2 win in the 89th minute. However, this result was not enough to shift Spain from second place in Group E because Manuel Neuer et al lost on goal difference.

A six-goal thriller to round off Group E for #CRC & #GER@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022

Line-up

Germany (4-2-4): Manuel Neuer (captain); Joshua Kimmich, Niklas Suele, Antonio Ruediger, David Raum; Ilkay Gundogan, Leon Goretzka; Leroy Sane, Thomas Mueller, Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala.

Costa Rica (5-2-3): Keylor Navas (captain); Keysher life, Oscar Duarte, Juan Pablo Vargas, Bryan Oviedo, Kendall Waston; Celso Borges, Yeltsin Tejeda; Brandon Aguilera, Joel Campbell, Johan Venegas.

With this result, Japan has the right to lead Group E with 6 points, followed by Spain with 4 points. In the round of 16, the Blue Samurai will face Kroasi, Spain serving Morocco.

Final standings Group E of the 2022 World Cup:1. Japan 62. Spain 43. Germany 44. Costa Rica 3