bbc sportnationalities of the japanese rugby team

Japan fans were spared much of that drama, despite the fact another Spain goal would have put their own progress in jeopardy.Įven more impressive than that quickfire response was the way they reset into their defensive shape for the next 45 or so minutes to protect their lead, barely allowing Spain a sniff despite having just 18% of possession. The Spain supporters were rather less impressed when the VAR decision was announced, but it would not be the only time they stared incredulously at the big screens around the stadium.Īn updated group table was flashed up every time there was a goal in the Costa Rica-Germany match, and at times it was difficult to keep up with who was going through and who was going out.

'If it were really out it would have been a goal-kick.' 'There is great technology nowadays for 'big football', said Moriyasu afterwards. This time, there was more than a hint of controversy involved too, with the ball appearing to go out of play before Mitoma reached it, and the fact it took the intervention of the video assistant referee (VAR) for the goal to stand just added to the drama - and provoked a lot of debate too. Ritsu Doan equalised within four minutes of coming off the bench in the Germany game - this time barely three minutes had elapsed since he came on at the start of the second half when he let fly from the edge of the box.Īnother replacement, Karou Mitoma, made his presence felt just 142 seconds later when he slid to hook Doan's low cross back across goal for Ao Tanaka to convert. 'They took advantage of the chances they had.'

'When it counted, they made the effective changes,' said former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley on BBC Radio 5 Live. Japan's substitutes had scored both goals against Germany and they played an important role here too - just with an even more instant impact. Japan's super subs make the difference again

Germany beat Costa Rica but crash out of World Cup.

Controversial winner sees Japan into knockout stage.

Did it cross the line? Germany out as Japan and Spain progress.

They became only the third team in World Cup history to be losing at half-time and come back to win two matches at the same tournament - after Brazil in 1938 and West Germany in 1970 - and did so in memorable style. Japan's brilliant recovery to beat Germany in their first game of the tournament had felt like a freak result when they followed it up with a limp defeat by Costa Rica that left them as outsiders to reach the last 16.īut, back at Khalifa International Stadium, also the scene of that stunning opening victory, Hajime Moriyasu's side staged a brilliant repeat performance against Spain to emerge as unlikely winners of Group E.

Bbc sportnationalities of the japanese rugby team