Japan produced one of the biggest shocks of the tournament as Takumi Minamino's dramatic stoppage-time strike secured a 1-0 victory over Germany at NRG Stadium. The Liverpool forward found the net in the 93rd minute, sending the Asian side into delirium and leaving the four-time world champions staring at a potential group-stage exit.
Germany dominated large spells of the contest and created the better opportunities throughout the ninety minutes. Yet Japan's compact defensive shape and clinical counter-attacking threat kept the European giants at bay until the very last kick. The result has thrown Group F wide open with two matchdays remaining.
Minamino's late heroics not only handed Japan three crucial points but also reignited their hopes of reaching the knockout stages. For Germany, the defeat represents their worst start to a World Cup campaign in decades and puts immediate pressure on coach Julian Nagelsmann ahead of their next fixture.
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