🥇 MOTM: The goal that changed everything | OneFootball

Japan turned Group E on its head as they beat Spain, which in turn eliminated Germany despite their win over Costa Rica.

And our Man of the Match is …

Ao Tanaka (Japan)

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At half time, Japan looked truly dead and buried.

Spain had put in an utterly dominant performance, completing 530 passes as opposed to just 89 from Japan.

Whatever coach Hajime Moriyasu said at half-time clearly made an impact, as the second half was completely different as this Japan side – who had already beaten Germany – scored two goals in quick succession to take a 2-1 lead.

The second goal, whilst controversial, was netted by Ao Tanaka, a man who plays his domestic football in Germany for Fortuna Düsseldorf.

Whether or not it the ball had gone out of play beforehand, his strike changed the entire trajectory of the Group, putting Spain into second place and Germany out of the competition altogether.

In addition to his goal, Tanaka’s all round display was one to be proud of, putting in the work as part of his role as a defensive midfielder as well as scoring the goal that changed everything.

Japan will now face Croatia in the round of 16. Just don’t write them off at half time.