Japan 2-1 Spain: Japan get another big comeback in Qatar 2022 and shock Spain

Japan and Spain both advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup at the end of a dramatic Group E finale on Thursday.

Goals from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka helped Japan reach the World Cup last 16 as Group E winners with a remarkable 2-1 victory over Spain, with La Roja joining them as Germany were dumped out.

With both sides knowing a win would see them progress, Spain wasted little time striking the front as Alvaro Morata soon headed in past Shuichi Gonda for his third goal of the tournament.

But Spain failed to capitalize on their huge possession advantage as Japan turned the game on its head with a quick-fire second-half double, Doan firing over from distance before Tanaka bundled home the second.

Spain were briefly on their way out of the World Cup when Costa Rica took the lead against Germany in their next group game.

But Germany’s late comeback in a 4-2 win ensured La Roja survived an incredible final to go through as runners-up.