DOHA, Qatar — These are the days in which the mighty fall. On Day 3 of the World Cup, Argentina was left reeling after suffering a chastening defeat to Saudi Arabia. On day four, it was Germany’s turn, another of the pretournament favorites left shocked and embarrassed by a supposed makeweight.
This time, Japan took center stage. Just like Saudi Arabia, it had struggled for air in the first half, falling behind to a penalty from Ilkay Gündogan and then holding on with grim determination to restrict the damage before halftime. And, just like Saudi Arabia, it capitalized on its good fortune, drawing level through Ritsu Doan and then claiming a victory with a goal off a rebound from Takuma Asano.