FIFA World Cup: Japan's costly loss in the FIFA World Cup could end their dream

The defeat was disastrous for Japan as it considerably lowered their chances of advancing to the last 16. The Japanese squad played better than Costa Rica but lost possession under no pressure on multiple occasions.

However, their saving grace came with the 1-1 tie between Germany and Spain on November 28. If Germany had won, all four nations would have been levelled on the points table.

Let’s take a look at the Group E table and potential scenarios in which Japan can qualify for the last 16:

Team	Country	Matches	Wins	Loses	Draw	GD	Points
1	Spain	2	1	0	1	7	4
2	Japan	2	1	1	0	0	3
3	Costa Rica	2	1	1	0	-6	3
4	Germany	2	0	1	1	-1	1

 

All teams of Group E still have one match left to play. Japan will lock horns with Spain, while Germany will face Costa Rica on December 2.

Scenario 1- Japanese victory: If Japan wins their final group stage clash against Spain, it will ensure a spot in the last 16. However, it would make the situation grim for Spain as they will only be able to qualify if the other Group E clash end in a draw or a Costa Rican victory.

Scenario 2- Spanish victory: The victory of Spain would make it impossible for Japan to advance to the knockouts, as all three scenarios in the clash between Costa Rica and Germany would push them down to the third spot on the table.

Scenario 2- Draw: If the match ends in a draw, the chances of Japan qualifying will increase considerably, but they would still be dependent on the results of the clash between Germany and Costa Rica.

If Costa Rica beats Germany, Japan's hopes of qualifying will be crushed. However, the goal difference would have to be considered in case of a German victory. The result would depend on how many goals Japan can score against Spain. 

However, if the clash ends in a draw, Japan and Costa Rica would have four points each, allowing Japan to advance, thanks to the superior goal difference.

How Japanese players in Bundesliga helped in their opening match against Germany

Japan roared back from 1-0 down to defeat Germany in their opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on November 23.

Germany had made a significant contribution towards football development in Japan. Bundesliga players Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano of Japan arrived as substitutes after Japan's struggles during the first half.

Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano slotted the ball into the German net during the second half to help Japan get their first-ever World Cup victory over Germany.

Japan won the match despite being outmatched in the first half and finished the game with just 26% possession. Eight Japanese squad players, including their goalscorers, play in the first and second divisions of the Bundesliga.

The Japanese squad made excellent use of the experience and lessons they learned while playing in Germany's top league to outsmart their former teachers at the World Cup.