Luay Ahmed
Spain took on Japan tonight at the Khalifa International Stadium, in a match with ramifications for qualification to the Round of 16.
Spain started the match in dominant fashion, keeping possession up to 80 percent of possession in the opening minutes of the first half. Their first opening of the match came courtesy of a strong run by Williams Jr. to the byline, where he fizzed a cross into the six yard box that was cleared by the Japanese defense. The clearance fell to Sergio Busquets outside the box, but the Barcelona holding midfielder’s left footed shot sailed over the bar.
Busquets was again involved a minute later, this time in the Japanese penalty area. After a poor first touch, Japan were able to recover the ball and fashion an opportunity for Ito, who took a powerful effort into Simon’s side netting. ‘
Four minutes later, Japan were made to rue their missed opportunity. Azpilicueta crossed a perfect right footed ball to Morata who headed the ball into the back of the net.
Ten minutes later, Gavi played a through ball into the path of Morata who shot straight at the Japanese goalkeeper, for either team’s last clear chance of the first half.
Events took a major turn minutes into the second half.
A lofted pass from Simon to Balde was poorly controlled by the Spanish left back. Japan pounced, and the ball fell to Doan who smashed a left footed effort from distance into the back of the net, to the joy of the Japanese contingent at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Before Spain had the opportunity to absorb the shock of the Japanese goal, the Samurai Blues struck again. A cross from Doan was cut back into the six yard area, and directed into the back of the net by Tanaka to give Japan a shock lead. After a review to check whether the ball had crossed the byline before being cut back to the midfielder, the referee confirmed that the goal stood, and the Japanese fans erupted once again.
Spain made five substitutions which included the introduction of Asensio, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres to try and take back initiative. 30 minutes passed before Spain could muster a serious opportunity on goal, when consecutive efforts by Olmo and Asensio were saved by Gonda – as Japan held on for one of the most historic score-lines in their nation’s history.