FIFA World Cup: Japan beat Spain, enter pre-quarters, Germany knocked out

DOHA: Japan pulled off their second incredible comeback of the World Cup on Thursday, defeating Spain 2-1 with two back-to-back goals to go to the pre-quarterfinals alongside them while eliminating Germany in the process.

Spain had looked in total control in the first half of the match. Alvaro Morata had put the Spaniards ahead when he scored his third goal in three games in Qatar. It was halftime substitute Ritsu Doan who scored the first goal for Japan in the 48th minute. Three minutes later, another halftime substitute Kaoru Mitoma scored the winning goal for Japan from close range. The VAR system took several minutes to confirm the ball had not gone out before Mitoma's touch, sparking wild celebrations by the Japan players and their fans similar to the scenes that followed their 2-1 comeback win over Germany last week. Japan, who have never progressed beyond the first knockout round, will face Croatia in the last 16 and Spain will meet Morocco.

The breathtaking 2-1 win for Japan - who also beat Germany 2-1 after going behind in their opening match of the tournament - meant they topped Group E, followed by Spain in second

Meanwhile, former champions Germany was knocked out of the World Cup despite defeating Costa Rica 4-2. Although Germany and Spain have 4 points each in Group E, Spain secured the pre-quarters with a better goal average.