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Disappointed DFB players, jubilant Japanese
Photo:
IMAGO/JOEL MARKLUND / IMAGO/Bildbyran
Germany lost their opening game of the World Cup in Qatar despite numerous chances to score.
The DFB selection, which seemed superior for a long time, lost 1: 2 (1: 0) against Japan.
In the second game of the group, Spain and Costa Rica will play against each other at 5 p.m.
It was eagerly awaited what reaction the DFB selection would show to the controversy surrounding the "One Love" armband.
Before kick-off, the Germans covered their mouths for the obligatory photo.
In terms of sport, the game started with a moment of shock: in the 8th minute, İlkay Gündoğan lost the ball and Japan countered.
At the end of the advance, Daizen Maeda even scored what was supposed to be the opening goal, but the Japanese attacker was clearly offside.
Rüdiger heads just wide
Defense chief Antonio Rüdiger had the first chance for the Germans.
After a corner, the Real Madrid pro climbed the highest and headed a meter wide of the right post of the Japanese goal (17th minute).
The DFB team then tried long-range shots, but both Joshua Kimmich (20') and Gündoğan (28', 29') failed.
But then Japan keeper Shuichi Gonda David Raum wrestled to the ground - and there were penalties.
Gündoğan scored in the middle to make it 1-0 (33').
In stoppage time, Germany celebrated a second time when Kai Havertz scored the supposed second goal.
But in the replay it was clear that the attacker had been offside.
The video referee called and the goal was withdrawn (45+4).
Gnabry hits the crossbar, Gündoğan hits the post
The DFB selection remained offensive in the second round as well.
After a fine dribbling, Jamal Musiala put the ball out on the right side, where Serge Gnabry had run with.
However, the offensive player only put his shot on the crossbar (47th).
It was Musiala who dribbled his way through half of the penalty area shortly afterwards, but then shot over the goal (52').
Gündoğan missed the next chance and hit the post (60').
Germany was almost careless with the opportunities, Japan remained dangerous with fast counterattacks.
The poor conversion of chances in the 70th minute was particularly clear: Japan's keeper Gonda quickly saved a chance from substitute Jonas Hofmann and then a long-range shot and a header from Gnabry.
Compensation by Doan
That went wrong: First, a world-class save by keeper Manuel Neuer saved Germany from equalizing (72'), but in his second strong save Ritsu Dōan scored from close range to make it 1-1.
(75.)
And it got even worse for the DFB selection: Takuma Asano, who plays for VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga, easily prevailed against Nico Schlotterbeck – and hit under the bar from a tight angle to make it 2-1 (83rd). .
The game was turned.
Germany also lost their opening game at the 2018 World Cup – at that time it was over for the DFB team after the group stage.
In Qatar, the DFB continues on Sunday, then the DFB selection meets Spain in the second group game (8 p.m., live ticker SPIEGEL.de; TV: ZDF).
The end of the group will then be the duel against Costa Rica on December 1 (8 p.m.).
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