The Germany-Japan match, which will forever be remembered for the protest of the German footballers before the initial whistle, covering their mouths to condemn the FIFA ban on the LGTBI armband, was also football, and much more. Contrary to what happened with the announcement, Japan accompanied Germany to a top-level football match.

The first 60 minutes were almost completely dominated by Germany, who, after taking the lead with a very avoidable penalty by the Japanese goalkeeper and converted by Gundogan, were able to verdict, but the Manchester City midfielder himself scored the clearest moment at the post. .

Japan’s modifications completely changed the course of a match that seemed destined to die with Germany’s second goal that never came. With 15 minutes to go, the Japanese team cleared a very clear opportunity deflected by Manuel Neuer and moments later they equalized thanks to a recently introduced Doan.

The Japanese substitutions made before the equalizer brought the field closer to the net of the German giant Neuer, who eclipsed Asano’s shot to the near post after a majestic control. A lack of strength in the defensive line allowed Japan to take a 1–2 lead and the match ended.

Germany’s defeat, in the absence of what could happen in Spain’s debut against Costa Rica, leaves Hansi Flick’s team no room for error in their remaining two games. The confrontation with Spain next Sunday the 27th, which a priori It seemed useful to decide who would be first and second in Group E, which could mean something unique in World Cup history: Germany’s second consecutive group stage elimination.