FIFA World Cup roundup: Germany stunned by Japan; Belgium edge past Canada
By Tushar Bahl
Four Borussia Dortmund players were in World Cup action on Wednesday. Germany were handed a shock defeat by Japan, while Belgium claimed a 1-0 win over Canada.
Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck both started for Germany as they began their FIFA World Cup campaign against Japan. Despite taking the lead through former Borussia Dortmund midfielder İlkay Gündoğan in the first half, the 2014 FIFA World Cup winners ended up losing 2-1.
A host of missed chances and poor defending allowed Japan to get back into the game. Ritsu Doan made it 1-1 in the 75th minute, before Takuma Asano scored to give Japan the lead eight minutes later.
Youssoufa Moukoko came on to make his World Cup debut in stoppage time. But Germany weren’t able to find a late equaliser.
The defeat is a big blow for Germany, who will now be under massive pressure going into Sunday’s game against Spain. Hansi Flick’s side will know that defeat to Spain would spell curtains for their World Cup campaign.
Former Borussia Dortmund striker Michy Batshuayi scored the winner as Belgium enjoyed a 1-0 win over Canada. Alphonso Davies missed a penalty in the 11th minute, and that proved to be costly as Batshuayi got on the end of a defence splitting long ball before expertly finding the back of the net on the stroke of half time.
Next. A deep dive into Borussia Dortmund’s bad luck with injuries. dark
Borussia Dortmund right-back Thomas Meunier came on at half time for Belgium as they managed to see out the 1-0 win. Thorgan Hazard was an unused substitute. The Red Devils will look to secure their place in the round of 16 on Sunday as they take on Morocco.