KEY POINTS
- Japan has secured a huge win in the FIFA World Cup, reaching the knockout stage to play Croatia.
- It's left four-time World Cup champions Germany exiting the tournament early.
- German forward Thomas Müller described the loss as an "absolute catastrophe".
Japan produced a stunning win at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, beating Spain 2-1 and securing a spot in the Group of 16 with four-time champions Germany crashing out of the tournament.
Germany claimed a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in their last Group E match, but it wasn't enough as they tumbled out at the first hurdle for the second consecutive time.
Germany finished third in the standings on Thursday, behind Spain on goal difference, with Japan topping the group.
If Japan had either drawn 1-1 or lost, Germany would have scraped through on goal difference.
A dejected Thomas Muller of Germany waves to the fans at full time after both Germany and Costa Rica are knocked out of the World Cup. Source: Getty / Robbie Jay Barratt
"For me personally this is an absolute catastrophe," Germany forward Thomas Müller, 33, told ARD, suggesting he will now retire from international football.
"If this was my last game, I want to say a few words to our fans who have supported me for years. I have always tried to leave my heart on the field."
Japan players rejoice after securing a spot in the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, defeating Spain in a match thriller. Source: AAP / LaPresse / Sipa USA
Japan turned things around in the space of five minutes at the start of the second half when substitute Ritsu Doan equalised before Ao Tanaka netted another.
The goal was allowed to stand following a lengthy VAR review after the ball appeared to have gone out of play.
Japan, who had opened their campaign with a shock win against Germany but then were beaten by Costa Rica, almost snatched an early lead when Junya Ito fired into the side-netting.
As news came through of Germany scoring an early goal against Costa Rica, the Samurai Blue fans became subdued, mirroring their team on the pitch.
There was a rare moment of action in the Spain penalty area just after the half-hour mark when goalkeeper Unai Simon dwelt on the ball a bit too long, and Daizen Maeda almost capitalised.
Japan's Ao Tanaka scores their second goal against Spain. Source: Reuters / Getty
Spain was caught trying to play out from the back as Freiburg winger Doan picked up possession just outside the penalty area and drilled a shot past Simon, who could only palm the ball into the top left corner.
Japan completed another remarkable turnaround when they took the lead in the 51st minute.
Kapan supporters celebrate after their team won the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group E football match between Japan and Spain. Source: AFP / ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
A lengthy VAR check followed and officials eventually ruled the whole of the ball had not crossed the line - a decision which sparked pandemonium among the now jubilant Samurai Blue faithful.
Japan created another good opening with 20 minutes left when Mitoma broke down the left and clipped a pass back across to the edge of the penalty area where Takuma Asano arrived at pace, but the Bochum forward could only skew his shot wide.
Spain pushed for an equaliser and Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda made a smart reaction save to push away a low drive from Asensio before then collecting Dani Olmo's angled shot at the near post as Japan celebrated another remarkable victory and a place in the last 16.
They will now meet Group F runner-up Croatia in the next round.
