Japan finish top of World Cup group with dramatic win over Spain as Germany haunted again by impact substitute, plus controversial decision

Japan qualified for the Round of 16 of the World Cup with two early goals that earned them a dramatic 2-1 win over Spain.

Before the match, the Asian side were third in Group E, but three minutes of madness saw them send shockwaves through the tournament when four-time winners Germany crashed out.

Spain took the lead through Alvaro Morata, his goal being his third of the tournament so far and making him joint-top scorer in the competition this year.

However, just minutes after the break, Japan scored what turned out to be a crucial equaliser.

Ritsu Doan, who also leveled the score in their 2-1 win over Germany, passed Unai Simon with a powerful effort.

Moments later, Ao Tanaka was on hand to put Japan ahead, although there was much controversy surrounding the goal as the ball appeared to go out of play before it went in.

Spain kept pushing in hopes of a response, with the permutations in Group E changing minute by minute.

In the other game, Germany took the lead against Costa Rica but soon found themselves behind in the second half, with the Central Americans’ second goal sending off their opponents and Spain at the time.

However, Kai Havertz then scored a brace to restore their lead and Niclas Fullkrug added a fourth, but that wasn’t enough for the Germans to put them through.

After a few hours filled with pure drama, Japan found themselves top of the group and reached the round of 16, where they will now face Croatia.

Despite the defeat, Spain also reached the round of 16 and will next face Morocco, although it will be a wake-up call for them as they progress through the rest of the tournament.

Both Costa Rica and, more surprisingly, Germany exited the World Cup, with the latter collapsing in the group stages for the second tournament in a row.