When the 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage commenced, Group E was widely viewed as a straightforward procession for two European giants: Germany and Spain. Yet the tournament script was torn apart by Hajime Moriyasu's Japan side. Through disciplined defensive blocks, surgical half-time tactical shifts, and clinical finishing, Japan secured historic 2-1 victories over both heavyweights. This deep dive examines how those stunning upsets unfolded on the pitch.
Understanding these results requires looking beyond the scorelines to the strategic blueprints that allowed a disciplined underdog to overcome elite opponents. From record-low possession statistics against Spain to high-intensity pressing against Germany, Japan's campaign remains a masterclass in modern tournament management.
The Group E Context and Expectations
Before a ball was kicked in Qatar, Group E carried immense pressure. Germany arrived eager to redeem themselves after a disastrous group-stage exit in 2018, while Spain boasted a youthful, technically supreme squad under Luis Enrique. Japan faced immense skepticism regarding their ability to break out of a group featuring two previous world champions.
Opening matches rarely follow predictable paths, but the sheer tactical gulf in expectations made Group E one of the most compelling narratives of the tournament. Japan's Japan Football Association squad entered the tournament blending European-based club experience with rigorous collective cohesion, setting the stage for one of the most memorable group phases in tournament history.
Stunner in Al Rayyan: Overcoming Germany
The opening fixture against Germany at the Khalifa International Stadium set the tone. In the first half, Hansi Flick's German side dominated proceedings, utilizing a fluid 4-3-3 formation that pinned Japan deep into their own half. Ilkay Gündogan opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, and Germany created numerous chances to extend their lead before halftime.
Halftime Adjustments and Substitutions
Moriyasu recognized that passively absorbing pressure was unsustainable. He shifted to a back-five structure initially, then introduced proactive substitutes who altered the tempo. Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano—both playing their club football in Germany—provided direct running power and verticality that troubled Antonio Rüdiger and Niklas Süle.
- Tactical Shift: Moving from a passive medium block to an aggressive, synchronized press higher up the pitch.
- Pace Exploitation: Utilizing Asano's speed on the shoulder of the last defender to punish Germany's high defensive line.
- Mental Resilience: Absorbing intense pressure without conceding a crucial second goal, keeping the score at 0-1 until the hour mark.
Doan equalized in the 75th minute by reacting quickest to a rebound, and Asano completed the sensational comeback in the 83rd minute, firing a sharp angle past Manuel Neuer to shock the football world.
The Spanish Masterclass: Winning with 18 Percent Possession
If the victory over Germany raised eyebrows, Japan's group-stage finale against Spain defied conventional statistical wisdom entirely. Spain controlled 82% of the ball, completing 925 passes to Japan's 147. Yet when the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read Japan 2, Spain 1.
Defensive Shape and Discipline
Luis Enrique's side took an early lead through Álvaro Morata's header in the 11th minute. Rather than panicking or chasing the ball aimlessly—which often leads to structural fatigue—Japan maintained an exceptionally compact 5-4-1 defensive block. They surrendered the flanks selectively while choking the central spaces where Pedri and Gavi operate.
- Compact Low Block: Denying penetration between the lines, forcing Spain sideways and backwards.
- Clinical Transition: Capitalizing immediately upon regaining possession at the start of the second half.
- Substitutional Impact: Bringing on Ritsu Doan and Kaoru Mitoma at halftime to inject immediate vertical thrust.
Within minutes of the restart, Doan struck again from distance in the 48th minute. Shortly after, Ao Tanaka turned in a dramatic goal—verified following a lengthy VAR review determining the ball remained marginally in play—to complete another stunning 2-1 turnaround.
Key Tactical Takeaways from Japan's Campaign
Japan's success wasn't merely a byproduct of luck; it was a blueprint for disciplined tournament football.
- Squad Depth and Versatility: Moriyasu utilized his bench effectively across matches, changing shapes between 4-2-3-1, 3-4-3, and 5-4-1 depending on match state.
- Executing the Counter-Press: Knowing precisely when to trigger a press rather than running aimlessly behind elite passers.
- Psychological Stability: Recovering immediately after conceding early goals in both high-profile fixtures.
For official tournament records and historical match sheets, consult the FIFA Official Website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much possession did Japan have against Spain?
Japan recorded just 18% ball possession during their 2-1 win over Spain, setting a modern World Cup record for a winning side.
Who scored the goals in the comeback against Germany?
Ritsu Doan equalized in the 75th minute, and Takuma Asano scored the winner in the 83rd minute after coming off the bench.
Did Japan advance to the knockout stages?
Yes. By defeating both Germany and Spain, Japan finished top of Group E with six points, advancing to the Round of 16 where they narrowly lost to Croatia on penalties.
What was the significance of the VAR decision in the Spain match?
Ao Tanaka's winning goal against Spain involved a millimeter-close check on whether the ball had crossed the endline before Kaoru Mitoma crossed it back; VAR confirmed the curvature of the ball touched the line, validating the goal.
