Spain reached the knockout stages of the World Cup on Thursday despite losing 2-1 to Japan, who won Big Group E on a roller coaster night that saw four champions Germany eliminated. Japan scored another stunning victory after defeating Germany in the opening match, breaking through the 'Group of Death', one of the greatest feats in the country's football history.
For a few moments of dread, Spain almost left as Costa Rica took the lead going into the other game, but the 2010 champions were knocked out after Germany helped them bounce back to beat Los Tecos. Alvaro Morata put Spain ahead early with a dangerous header, but Japan counter-attacked spectacularly early in the second half. Goals from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka gave them an impressive comeback, just as they did against Germany.
Tanaka's goal sparked heated controversy after the officials relied on the video assistant referee technology to decide that Kaoru Mituma was holding the ball too hard to score. Spain struggled to create a chance against Japan's staunch defense in the late game, as the Asians knew conceding an extra goal would put them bottom.
The Japanese players all the time collapsed in celebration, exhausted and overjoyed, while the players who participated instead ran in celebration. Spain will meet Morocco in the round of 16, while Japan will face Croatia.
