Japan achieved the unthinkable as they overhauled footballing royalty.
They beat mighty Spain to secure their place in the last 16 and topped Group E having already seen off Germany to complete a huge upset at the Khalifa Stadium. It means Japan now face Croatia in the knock-out rounds while Spain were given the fright of their lives as, for three minutes, they were heading out before Germany came back to beat Costa Rica.
Ultimately, Germany’s win was not enough to save themselves but Spain went through by virtue of goal difference and no-one could possibly have imagined Japan would end up as Group winners. No wonder Japan’s players celebrated wildly at the final whistle as their substitutes, bench and coaching staff raced onto the pitch to mob their heroes.
