Japan started off their World Cup campaign in stunning fashion after coming from a goal down to overcome Germany with an incredible 2-1 victory, marking their seventh consecutive appearance in grand style.
Die Mannschaft who has been touted as the most technically gifted team got off early with their first goal when Shuichi Gonda awkwardly brought down David Raum in the box - which Gundogan successfully converted the penalty.
Kai Havertz had the ball in the back of the net for Hans Flick's side again but his solo effort was ruled out for offside in death of stoppage time following a VAR review.
Jamal Musiala, dazzling with fast and flamboyant football on the field of play nearly registered his name on the scoresheet after recess when he weaved through the chunk barrier of the Japanese defence, but his shot flew over the bar. Despite a wobble, Musiala yet, having gradually assumed control lashed-in another staggering pass to Gundogan, whose attempt brusque the goal post as the Samurai Blue's became speedily under intense pressure.
Manuel Neuer was put to test as he was forced to come out of his shelves to show his capability with a magnificent save to deny Junya Ito before Hiroki Sakai flamed his pinching rebounded effort over the skies.
The Samurai Blue's laid bare the warning signs to the Germans but Flick's men failed to dust off any onrushing threat and put the game to bed as Ritsu Doan made the Japanese fans to go gaga as he flick home a loose ball after some creative one-on-one combination play with itoma and Minamino.
Right in the 83rd minute Takuma Asano streetwise stunner became the decider as he latched onto a non-injurious huffing long range ball and racked home a tormenting finish past the experienced Neuer to seal their first ever win over Germany.
The Japanese sought to expose the Die Mannschaft defenders with quick counters and balls as they jinked inside their area. It was surprising to see how loose Germany were in the dying minutes of the second half; their defence was pockmarked by errors as they did little to hogged down the Samurai's attack.
By: Pascal Nii Gogo Amoah
