Germany clashed heads with Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium earlier today as they looked to earn a good result in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Germans made a bright start to the game and got their noses ahead in the 33rd minute when Ilkay Gundogan scored from the penalty spot. Hansi Flick’s side went into the half-time break with a 1-0 scoreline.
The Germany players were lackluster in the second half and conceded the equaliser in the 75th minute when Ritsu Doan found the back of the net. Takuma Asano gave Japan a shock lead just eight minutes later with a superb finish as Hansi Flick‘s men ended up suffering a narrow 2-1 loss in Qatar.
Let’s take a look at how each Germany player fared during the clash against Japan.
GK: Manuel Neuer – 6/10
Neuer made two good saves during the game but will be disappointed after conceding two late goals.
RB: Niklas Sule – 6/10
The German talent was strong in the air and tidy with his passing. However, he looked vulnerable defensively late in the game.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – 6.5/10
Rudiger made one important clearance at the back and was a threat at the other end of the field.
CB: Nico Schlotterbeck – 6.5/10
He did his fair share of defending and made two key chances in the final third.
LB: David Raum – 7/10
Raum made a couple of decent interceptions inside his half and engineered some decent chances in the final third.
CM: Joshua Kimmich – 7/10
Kimmich didn’t offer much protection defensively but was a constant menace in the final third.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan – 8/10
The Manchester City midfielder was a real threat in front of the Japan goal and kept his composure to convert from the penalty spot in the first half.
RW: Serge Gnabry – 7/10
Gnabry was a constant menace in the final third but failed to take any of his chances.
CAM: Thomas Muller – 7/10
He created a few inviting chances for his teammates but struggled to threaten the opposition’s goal.
LW: Jamal Musiala – 6/10
Musiala had a few bright moments in the game and failed to find the back of the net.
ST: Kai Havertz – 6/10
He made one decent opportunity during the game but never looked like he had a goal in him.
Substitutes:
CM: Leon Goretzka – 6/10
Goretzka offered very little in the final third.
CM: Jonas Hofmann – 6/10
He added some energy to Flick’s midfield.
ST: Niclas Füllkrug – 6/10
Fullkrug offered very little after coming off the bench.
CAM: Mario Gotze – 6/10
He made one decent chance in the final third.
ST: Youssoufa Moukoko – N/A
Moukoko came on for the final few minutes of the game.
