Japan have pulled off the second stunning upset of the Qatar World Cup by beating four-times winners Germany in a dramatic comeback.

In echoes of Argentina’s humiliating defeat to Saudi Arabia yesterday, Germany took the lead through a first-half penalty but a spirited fightback saw the underdogs claim a famous 2-1 victory.

With Costa Rica and fellow World Cup holders Spain still to play, Germany now face an uphill battle to escape the Group of Death.

The result sparked wild scenes of jubilation from Japan’s loyal travelling fans while Germany’s expectant fans could only watch on as horror.

The Germans had dominated the contest at the Khalifa International Stadium and taken the lead with a 33rd minute penalty from Manchester City’s Ilkay Guendogan after Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda had fouled wing back David Raum.

But a quick-fire double from Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano within eight minutes turned the tide and set the Samurai Blue on course for a historic win.

The defeat was the third in a row in the opening match of a major championship for Germany after a loss to Mexico at the 2018 World Cup, when they bowed out in the first round as champions, and to France at Euro 2020.

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