Spain’s World Cup run seemed to be flourishing heading into Thursday’s group stage finale with Japan. La Furia Roja had positioned itself first in Group E and needed just a win or a draw (or Germany to avoid collapse against Costa Rica) and it would cruise through to the round of 16.
It was not so simple. And for 180 seconds, it appeared all the promise of a young, energized, focused side had come crashing down.
An 11th-minute goal from a resurgent Álvaro Morata looked to have Spain on its way to the knockout stage. This was, after all, the team that thrashed Costa Rica for seven goals in its opener and controlled possession for 65% of the match in a draw with Germany. But Japan showed the same resilience it displayed earlier in the tournament against the Germans. It flew out of the second half with an ultra-aggressive press that caught the Spaniards sleeping, and Ritsu Dōan blasted a shot from distance past Unai Simón for a shock equalizer.
