While qualification for the 2026 World Cup begins in South America, qualification for next year’s European Championship will take place in Europe, namely in Germany. Precisely because it is already classified as a host, the German occupation takes this opportunity to play friendly games. This Saturday they were beaten 4-1 by Japan in a woeful aggregate performance in Wolfsburg.
Coach Hansi Flick has received questions about the recent results and because the game was not convincing. Before the Asians, he had a new opportunity to rehabilitate himself. However, this did not happen. The Japanese, who had already surprised them at the World Cup in Qatar, showed good football.
The team led by Hajime Moriyasu scored the first goal in the 11th minute with Junya Ito’s goal. The German equalizer came relatively quickly, as Leroy Sané made the final score 1-1 in the 19th minute. But the home side couldn’t hold on to the equalizer and were at a disadvantage again in the 22nd minute when Ayase Ueda scored for the underdogs. Japan’s attack speed kept the Germanic tribes on their toes.
Although Germany had more possession, Japan were sharper in attack. In the afterword of the commitment, the numerical lead was expanded. In the 90s, Takuma Asano made the final score 3-1. In just the second minute of injury time, Ao Tanaka made it 4-1 for the Japanese. The Germans’ faces said it all. They couldn’t believe it. With the final whistle, the fans said goodbye to the home team with a loud mistake.
It is the third defeat in a row for the German team. Last June they lost 1-0 to Poland and 2-0 to Colombia in friendlies. The last victory came on March 25th this year, a 2-0 over Peru. The prospects for the organizer of the 2024 European Championship are difficult and the next challenge is steep. This Tuesday 12th, in qualifying for the continental tournament, they will face France, the runners-up, who have just beaten Ireland at the Parc des Princes.
