The first match of Group E at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha ended with yet another shock at the 2022 World Cup after Japan stunned Germany by recording a 2-1 win. It was the first-ever victory for Japan over Germany in their history and a brilliant second half performance led by substitute Takuma Asano saw the Samurai Blue come away with all three points. So, here’s our Japan player ratings after their fantastic victory over Germany.
Japan (4-2-3-1):
Shuichi Gonda – 6.5
Made a clumsy and reckless challenge on David Raum which led to the penalty for Germany. However, made a few decent saves in quick succession in the second half to keep the deficit to just one and also held strong at the end to ensure the win.
Hiroki Sakai – 6.5
Made a couple of decent tackles and won a few duels but was threatened down his side by David Raum in the first half.
Maya Yoshida – 7.5
The veteran defender put in a solid display here. Playing at his third World Cup, his experience was key, making a number of important blocks, clearances and interceptions.
Ko Itakura – 7
Played a fantastic ball from deep to set up Asano for his goal to put Japan ahead. Did fairly well at the back too.
Yuto Nagatomo – 5.5
Veteran defender and former Inter man did not have much to do in first half with little threat from the Germans down his side. Played an excellent cross from the left in for Daizen Maeda in what was Japan’s best move in the first half. Subbed off after the break for Kaoru Mitoma.
Wataru Endo – 7
Was a little sloppy in possession but won a number of duels in the midfield. More involved in the second half and made some good tackles. Battled hard.
Ao Tanaka – 6
Didn’t do too much here but did put in a few decent challenges here and there.
Junya Ito – 7
Pacey threat down the right flank and was dangerous early on. Was direct and drove into the box to begin the second half, trying to make things happen. Great opportunity to draw the scores level in the second half but was denied by Manuel Neuer. Good performance by the Reims man.
Daichi Kamada – 6.5
Was able to find some pockets of space in the second half but wasn’t too influential.
Takefusa Kubo – 4
Tried to help the midfield and worked hard for his side but struggled to impact the game offensively before being benched at the break.
Daizen Maeda – 5
Worked hard to lead the line for Japan but struggled to get much going on offense with little service or opportunity. Subbed off in the second half for Takuma Asano.
Substitutions
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6.5
The Arsenal defender was subbed on at half time as Japan moved to a five-man defense in the second half. Was a key substitution that helped changed the game after the interval.
Kaoru Mitoma – 7
Played a pivotal role in Japan’s equaliser, making a great run down the left flank in the build up.
Takuma Asano – 9
Put Japan in front with less than ten minutes remaining, touching the ball down brilliantly and scoring from a narrow angle with a superb finish to shock the Germans. Picked the ball up in a few decent positions when he came on and looked lively when introduced. Changed the game.
Ritsu Doan – 7.5
Scored Japan’s equaliser in the second half, converting on the rebound. Played an influential role in changing the game for Japan.