Germany raised the stakes in their ongoing row over the OneLove armband with a staged protest ahead of their shock defeat by Japan.
Hansi Flick's players wanted to highlight FIFA’s decision not to allow them to wear the anti-discrimination symbol. They put their hands over their mouths when the team photograph was taken prior to kick-off at the Khalifa Stadium - showing that they refused to be silenced on the issue.
Players also sported rainbow colours on their training tops and several also wore rainbow laces. Head coach Flick said: "It was a sign. A message we wanted to send out. We wanted to convert the message that FIFA is silencing us."
Chelsea's Kai Havertz backed up his manager, adding: "It was important for us to make a statement like this. We spoke before the game about what we could do and for us it was the right sign. We sent it to show people that we can try to help wherever we can.
"Of course, FIFA haven’t made it easy for us but we have tried to show what we feel now."
It followed a joint statement from seven European nations, including Germany plus England and Wales, to drop plans to wear the OneLove armband after threats of sporting sanctions from the global game’s governing body.
The German football federation, the DFB, said in a tweet on its official account: “We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect. Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.
“It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us. Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”
Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser, who was sitting close to FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the VIP box, wore a OneLove armband in support of the national team.
The Football Association has declined to comment on whether it will follow Germany’s lead and make the ‘covered mouth’ gesture before England’s next match against the United States.
Japan boss says history created in Germany win
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu claimed his side had created history after a brilliant fightback floored the Germans.
Two goals inside eight minutes late in the second half shocked Hansi Flick’s men who had looked to be cruising in their World Cup opener following an Ilkay Gundogan spot-kick.
But Ritsu Doan levelled after keeper Manuel Neuer palmed a cross into his path - and then fellow sub Takuma Asano streaked clear to thump home as Japan sealed a 2-1 victory.
The Khalifa International Stadium went wild with delight and Moriyasu saluted his men at the final whistle.
He said: “If I may say, I believe it’s a historical moment. A historical victory. If I think about the development of Japanese football, we have been building up to this. Four of our squad play in the Bundesliga, two in the Premier League. They fight in these very strong tough leagues. They’ve been building up their strength.
“These leagues have been contributing to the development of our players - I’m very grateful for that. But it is a big surprise. We are playing to a global standard. We saw Saudi Arabia pick up a surprise win. We are now showing the capabilities of Asian football.”
Skipper Maya Yoshida said: “I’m very happy with the result. We carried the plan very well. Obviously, it wasn’t the plan to concede the first goal. But we tried to stay calm, stay solid. We knew in the second half we would get more chances in behind them. There was more space. Our strength is team organisation and unity. We showed that today. I’m very happy.”
Substitute Kaoru Mitoma, who plays for Brighton, added: “It’s the greatest day of my life - for me and the team. Of course, we wanted to win but our plan was to draw. I think that the players, the coaches, we have all created history.”
