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Japan caused a huge upset in Thursday night to finish top of Group E and reach the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
THE LOWDOWN: STUNNING FEAT
At the time the draws were made, no one would have predicted that one of Spain or Germany will not be making the second round in Qatar.
Japan stunned Germany in their opening group game, before surprisingly losing to Costa Rica in their second game, leaving them hanging by a thread ahead of the final group game against Spain.
Meanwhile, defender Takehiro Tomiyasu came on as a second half substitute to help his side defend the lead in those tense moments.
Against all odds, they came away with a win to top the group in stunning fashion.
THE LATEST: HOW IT HAPPENED
Japan scored two early second half goals to come from behind to beat former World Champions Spain 2-1 and advance to the round of 16 of the World Cup.
Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for for Spain in the 11th minute at Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday, but Japan staged an incredible turnaround after halftime.
Ritsu Doan restored parity in the 48th with a left-footed shot from outside the box minutes after coming on as a substitute at halftime, and Ao Tanaka completed the turnaround with a second one just two minutes later.
Tomiyasu was sent on in place of Daichi Kamada in the 69th minute and was able to help his side secure a memorable win.
Japan finished top of Group E, with Spain finishing second on goal difference – consigning Germany to elimination, despite a 4-2 win over Costa Rica on Thursday.
Up next for Japan and Tomiyasu is a round of 16 clash with Croatia, while Spain will face off with Morocco.
THE VERDICT: GLORIOUS MOMENTS
Japan caused two great upsets in World Cup’s history in Qatar to reach the round of 16. Doing more so to finish as group winners, makes it incredible.
Tomiyasu has been relegated to making appearances off the bench due to his lack of fitness, but will be hoping to play a part in his side’s most important fixture in recent years.
