FIFA World Cup 2022: 2 games, 2 reports

Japanese resilience finds a way

Four time World Cup Champions Germany played their opening match against coach Hajime Moriyashu’s Japan.

Known for their tactical prowess, the German side began the game well with an ice cool İlkay Gündoğan penalty in the 33^rd minute giving them a half-time lead.

 One however has to praise Japan’s intensity throughout the game. Even though trailing by a goal for three-quarters of the match, they stuck to the motto: ‘It isn’t over till the final whistle’ with their attitude being rewarded as they created opportunities for two goals, a 75th-minute^th minute equaliser by Ritsu Doan and an 83rd-minute winner, an exquisite tight angle shot by Takuma Asano.

“We were on the right path in the first half, we had 78% possession and were ahead 1-0. Then we had good chances in the second half that we didn’t take advantage of. Japan was simply more efficient today. We made mistakes that we should never commit especially in a World Cup and those are the things that we need to improve on.”

-Hansi Flick, Coach, Germany

Spain floods Al Thumama Stadium with 7 goals

Spain has come to the world cup with one of the youngest squads. Their squad features the names of several rising stars in the European football world including the likes of Gavi, Pedri, Ansu Fati among others.

The young Spaniards put on an impressive show against Costa Rica in their opening group game. Spain put the ball in the back of the net thrice before the first half ended. Unai Simon, Spain’s first-choice keeper who plays club football for Athletic Bilbao was left largely without much to do as the attackers from his team kept the ball at the other half of the field.

Spanish coach Luis Enrique’s high-pressing gameplan was effective as his team quickly regained possession against Costa Rica and even found the back of the net in the dying minutes of the game with Alvaro Morata, Spain’s current Number 7 scoring the seventh goal for La Roja.