🏅 MOTM: Unsung Bundesliga hero leaves Germany speechless | OneFootball

A stunning second half comeback saw Japan shock Germany on Wednesday.

And our Man of the Match is …

Wataru Endo (Japan)

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One of the most consistent players in the Bundesliga, Endo was up against familiar opposition on Wednesday. But, like so often in the league, where he plays for VfB Stuttgart, he entered the game as an underdog.

And like so often, for those who ever find themselves watching Stuttgart, he left an impression. Endo is a hero at his club but it often feels like those outside are yet to really appreciate him enough.

Japan were by no means the better side for large parts of the game against Germany. They did not defend superbly, with Germany missing a host of chances to stretch the one goal lead they claimed in the first half, and they did not attack particularly well until coach Hajime Moriyasu made a host of second half changes.

But Endo was a calming, authoratative presence throughout.

The midfielder only completed 20 of his 32 attempted passes, with Japan facing heavy pressure, but he did not carelessly lose possession — Endo was one of just three outfield starters on either side not to be tackled or lose the ball from a loose touch. Nobody on the pitch won as many tackles (four) either.

One scene in the 72nd minute summed him up, as he helped steal the ball from the onrushing Jamal Musiala, flicked it beyond Kai Havertz and held off David Raum before weaving past a Leon Goretzka challenge and diving into another 50-50.

Moments later he asked for the ball under pressure and shifted it quickly as Japan worked the space for their equaliser.

For years now Endo has combined quality with consistency and reliability in midfield and these German players should know that better than anyone. Today he stunned them by doing it on the biggest stage of all.