Germany 1-2 Japan: Underdogs Japan produce the World Cup's SECOND huge upset in 24 hours, netting two late goals to stun Germany - the country where BOTH scorers play their club football
- Japan beat Germany 2-1 in Group E to produce another huge World Cup upset
- Germany had opened the scoringwith Ilkay Gundogan slotting home a penalty
- However, Japan hit back through super subs Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano
- Asano's late-winner was a sensational goal, sparking wild celebrations
- It is the second successive tournament in which Germany have lost their opener
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
The drummer buried within the small knot of Japanese supporters behind the goal where the game was won was still thrumming out his beat long after the final whistle and it was entirely appropriate. He had not stopped all afternoon and neither had the team he had travelled so far to see.
This was a game won, an upset caused, not by superior skill or an elevated sense of football intelligence. It was won by courage and persistence and by an impeccable sense of sporting timing.
Having been second best to Germany for so long on this incredible occasion, Japan had remained in the game on the back of some stout defending, some inspired goalkeeping and, it must be said, some errant German finishing.
But as time passed and the game entered its final fifteen minutes, Japan sensed a waning of German industry. They sensed the four time winners easing off the throttle, either deliberately or otherwise. And when they struck twice in eight minutes towards the end, it was with a ruthlessness that surprised Hansi Flick and his players just as much as it did everybody in this stadium.
Takuma Asano scored a sensational winner as Japan caused a huge upset to beat Germany 2-1
Asano made a huge difference after coming on, and netted late on - sparking wild scenes
There were superb scenes at full time as Japan celebrated their memorable win in Qatar
The two scorers were known to this German team, too. Both on as substitutes, Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano both play their football in the German Bundesliga. Suffice to say it will be a while before anybody in Germany forgets their names.
This was an upset almost on the same scale as the one Saudi Arabia had inflicted on Lionel Messi and Argentina the day before. Just like that one, this one did not announce itself as a possibility for quite some time.
Germany were the better team in the first half by a distance and, just like Argentina, they took the lead through a penalty. Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda pulled down German left-back David Raum clumsily just after the half hour and Ilkay Gundogan slid in the penalty.
Germany were dejected after losing their opening World Cup game for a second succesive tournament
Ritsu Doan had earlier equalised minutes after coming on, before Asano's 83rd minute winner
Flick would have known at half-time that his team should have led by more. Gundogan had come close on three other occasions while Joshua Kimmich had brought a save from Gonda. It was not easy for Germany but it was straight forward. Japan had seen an early goal by Celtic’s Daizen Maeda disallowed for offside and that had really been as good as it had got for team ranked number 24 in the world.
The second half had followed much the same pattern, too. Kimmich and Gundogan continued to run just about everything in the centre of the field while teenager Jamal Musiala had started to influence matters further forward with the touch and vision so familiar to followers of Bayern Munich.
As Germany sought to kill the game, Serge Gnabry kissed the top of the bar with a rising shot. Then Gundogan struck the post after being set up by Musiala before the 19-year-old almost scored a subline goal himself, taking out four defenders with a series of dummies in the penalty area only to shoot over with his right foot when he seemed to have done all the hard work already.
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring for Germany with a penalty
Gundogan cooly tucked home, with Japanese keeper Shuichi Gonda going the other way
The penalty was given after Gonda clumsily brought down Germany left-back David Raum
Germany were wasteful but, crucially, they were in no danger. Or so it seemed. Indeed just before the whole show was turned upside down, Japan’s goalkeeper Gonda actually made four saves in a single minute. Three of them were to deny Gnabry alone.
So we could see the way this game was going, or so we thought. When Japan struck, it was just about without warning.
They had grown in to the game a little in the minutes before their goal. Germany had started to look a little leggy and when Daichi Kamada worked Neuer with a low cross shot it was a moment that served to give life to something quite stunning.
The first goal arrived in the 75th minute and was not dissimilar to the incident that saw Kamada denied. Again the space was found on the left side of the German penalty area and again Neuer pushed out a low shot. But this time the ball ran loose to a player in blue and Doan of Freiburg smashed it in to an unguarded net.
Japan had never previously beaten Germany and Flick’s team had lost just once in sixteen games since England knocked them out of the European Championships at Wembley two summers ago. So a draw would have sat quite nicely with coach Hakime Moriyasu.
But sometimes a single moment in a contest can change everything and that is what happened here. Japan were energised by their goal and with their supporters continuing with a level of support that never dropped for a minute, they began to sense something a little more special.
Gonda redeemed himself when he pulled of four superb saves with the score still 1-0 Germany
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu couldn't quite believe what his side achieved at full time
The winning goal was a terrible one for Germany to concede and will haunt Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck in particular.
A free-kick won deep inside the Japan half was launched forwards by Ko Itakura and caught Schlotterbeck half asleep. As the ball sailed over his head, it found Asano, of Bochum, with a yard of space. The touch to control it as it dropped over his shoulder was superb and he then allied that to the strength needed to hold off Schlotterbeck, desperately trying to atone for his error. The angle was still against Asano and Neuer stood in his path. But the right foot shot was ferocious and the ball was above and beyond the German goalkeeper before he could even see it.
By this stage, everybody here who was not German may as well have been Japanese. The noise that greeted the final whistle betrayed that. Move over Saudi Arabia, there is room for one more.
Daizen Maeda had an early goal disallowed for Japan in a warning for Germany's defence
Kai Havertz also had a goal disallowed for offside for Germany in first half stoppage time
Follow Sportsmail's live blog below to relive the action from the World Cup Group E clash between Germany and Japan.
WOW! Full-time. One of the greatest-ever upsets in World Cup history and another shock at this World Cup.
The ball causes chaos with Neuer nearly getting his head on the ball.
Endo makes a fabulous block and its out for a corner.
A late free-kick. Neuer is up ...
A long ball forward from Germany and the ball drops to Goretzka.
The midfielder fires hard and low but his effort is just wide and out for a goal kick.
A VAR check for a penalty here.
Fulkrugg goes down but it's waved away and we play on. Germany are bombarding the Japanese box now.
Four minutes to play - this would be one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
Still 2-1 Japan as Rudiger fires wide from 30 yards.
Final throw of the dice from Hansi Flick.
Moukoko is on for Gnabry.
Seven minutes of added time!
Japan are holding on here - Germany have most of the ball again but if Japan hold on they will win against Germany for the first-time ever.
Hajime Moriyasu, Japan's boss, has really earned his salary today with game-changing subsistutions and a tactical switch at half-time.
We've just seen a replay of the goal and that touch from Asano gets better every time. No idea what Sule was doing standing behind the rest of his defence though, playing the forward on.
All of Japan's bench went running after Asano in the celebration.
OH MY WORD! ASANO
WOW! Asano makes it 2-1. What a finish! We've been saying how much of a difference he's made since coming on.
A long ball up the pitch from Itakura and Sule is two yards deeper than everyone else. An amazing first touch from Asano and he holds off Schlotterbeck and firess past Neuer into the top of the net.
Germany are in a precarious position now.
Double change for Germany. Gotze and Fullkrug on for Musiala and Havertz.
Into the final 10 minutes here.
Germany almost score from a corner as Gonda flaps at one but Rudiger heads over.
Japan are flying now!
They're all over Germany. There had been a warning just before when Neuer made a great save.
But the substitutes have made all the difference.
One sub Mitoma played in another sub Minamino who's shot was superbly saved by the German stopper.
The ball fell to Doan however and he smashed home. This game could go either way ...
Japan's midfielder Ritsu Doan (R) scores
Ritsu Doan of Japan celebrates with teammates after scoring
They're level - 1-1
Wow! Instant impact from Doan. Japan are in. Another great save from Neuer off Minamino and the ball is out to Doan, who fires home - causing pandemonium among the Japan players and fans.
WOW! Those saves from Gonda look even better!
A few more risks taken from Japan here.
Minamino is on for Sakai, who missed that guilt-edged chance. Doan is also on for Tanaka.
Can the former Liverpool man summon a moment of maigc
Straight down the other end Japan are in.
Asano has got to score after being played in but Neuer pulls off a superb save after the ball deflected off Rudiger. The ball parries to Sakai who is six yards out and he's got to score - but he fires his effort over the bar.
What a miss!
Those saves from Gonda could be crucial.
Some great play from Germany results in Japanese stopper pulling off FOUR impressive saves in the same phase.
Goretzka plays a ball through to Hoffman who is one-on-one but Gonda saves, Gnabry then has another effort which is parried away.
The ball then comes back in and Gonda saves from a Gnabry header and is then up to block the follow-up.
Japan stay in the game!
Asano has made a massive difference since coming on.
Mitoma plays him in, but some great defending from Rudiger forces a corner for Japan.
They're giving this a real go here, and look more dangerous this half, but Neuer is still yet to be tested.
Goretzka is coming into the fray as he replaces Muller, while Hoffmann is on for goalscorer Gundogan.
Japan go close as Itakura headers on goal from a corner but Schlotterbeck makes an important headed clearance.
Musiala is really growing into the game and showing what all the hype is about.
He's looked really bright this half and a fantastic bit of skill sets him clear but Itakura cynically takes him down.
Jamal Musiala (R) of Germany in action against Kou Itakura of Japan
Now the post for Germany.
Some really nice play rom Germany with Musiala at the heart of it again. He lays the ball off to Gundogan who's effort is heading towards the far corner but hits the outside of the post and goes behind.
Germany look a lot more threatening in this half.
Japan then break and Asamo is in but he fires high and wide with his left foot.
A couple of attacking changes for Japan.
Brighton's Mitoma is on for Nagatomo and Asano comes on for Maeda up-front.
Asano is instantly into the action but Kamada heads high and wide. An encouraging move for Japan nonetheless.
Musiala carries the ball forward before slightly over-hitting his ball through to Havertz.
Gonda comes out to claim but fumbles the ball and Japan are in a precarious position but the linesman has his flag up.
Replays show that wasn't offside however so a let off for Japan.
They're trying to get their wing-backs forward but are being pinned back by the Germans.
Wow! Brilliant feet from Musiala who finds his way through five Japanese defenders in the box.
However, the midfielder then fires over from 12 yards.
What a bit of play from the Bayern Munich star though. That could've been goal of the tournament so far, but he just lacked the composure at the final stage.
Gundogan goal is the difference between these two sides so far.
A great start to the second half.
A powerful run from Muller and he lays the ball off to Gnabry.
The winger fires the ball at goal but it cannons off the crossbar and goes for a goal kick.
A good start from Hansi Flick's side and it looks as if Tomiyasu has gone to left-centre-back, with Japan reverting to a back five.
A half-time change for Japan.
Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu replaces Takefusa Kubo who had looked dangerous in the first half.
It looks as if he's gone out to left-back.
Japan get us underway for the second half!
And with that, the referee blows his whistle and brings the first half to a close.
Ilkay Gundogan's goal is the difference from the spot after David Raum was taken down by Japan keeper Shuichi Gonda.
Celtic forward Daizen Maeda had an early goal ruled out for offside.
Germany dominated the half but lacked any attacking quality until the goal. They improved after Gundogan's opener and had a Kai Havertz injury time finish ruled out for offside.
Hansi Flick will be keen for an improved performance in the second half however.
Hiroki Sakai (C) reacts after a challenge by Germany's defender David Raum
Straight up the other end Nagataomo cuts back onto his right foot from left-back and fires in a cross.
Maeda connects well but his header is wide from eight yards.
Big chance for Japan.
Great play from Musiala who breaks through from midfield.
He lays the ball off to Muller who's cross is cleared. Kimmich's shot is parried out and Gnabry squares to Havertz who taps home.
However, Havertz is miles offside and after a strangely long delay where it looked as if the goal wouldn't be ruled out, offside is given and Japan restart.
Kai Havertz taps home - 2-0!
The fourth official indicates four minutes to be added.
That feels quite low compared to the significant amount of added time that has been seen so far at this tournament.
Germany meanwhile get into another dangerous position, with Sule finding the ball at his feet in the box, but Japan clear the ball.
Another nice move from Germany. Intricate football before Musiala drops his shoulder to get half a yard but again, his shot is fired miles over the bar.
The first major involvement from the Bayern Munich wonderkid in this half.
A neat move from Germany, before Muller lays the ball off to Kimmich.
However, the midfielder balloons his effort over the bar.
That sums up the attacking quality from Germany this half. Apart from the goal, they've been restricted to only a few shots from outside the box.
Manchester City man Gundogan cooly slotted home his penalty after Raum was pulled down.
Germany needed that after a dominant start possession wise, but one that was lacking decisiveness in front of goal.
Ilkay Gundogan of Germany scores the opening goal from a penalty
Ilkay Gundogan (R) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup
Japanese fans will be fuming at that. They had been keeping Germany at bay throughout before a couple of moments of madness.
First, right-back Sakai was needlessly dragged out of position, before Gonda recklessly dived at the feet of Raum and clipped him twice.
They've won a corner at the other end though - their third of the game.
Shuichi Gonda of Japan brings down David Raum of Germany
Gundogan steps up and tucks it home, with Gonda diving the wrong way.
Big goal for the Germans who haven't been at their best in this half but that will give them a lift.
It's been given
Penalty to Germany!
A lovely ball from Kimmich has Rahm free in space. The left-back turns back and Gonda recklessly jumps out and has two goes at Rahm before he goes down.
The referee initially said no, before changing his mind and awarding a penalty.
A VAR check is in progress though...
A big chance for Germany as Rahm fires a ball in and Gonda parries the ball away, but it's straight to Gundogan.
The Man City man fires at goal but Yoshida puts in a fine block and Japan clear the danger.
The Germans are continuing the dominate the ball in Doha.
They seem to be lining up in a lop-sided 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sule, usually a centre-back but at right-back today, tucking in as almost a third centre-halfwith Rahm pushing further forward on the left from left-back.
Gundogan fires a long range effort on goal but it is well-held by Gonda.
Germany have tweeted about their pre-match protest.
We're still level halfway through the first half with Germany having dominated possession.
In fact, they've had 81 per cent of possession so far but are yet to really open up Japan.
Japan are happy to let Hansi Flick's side have the ball, but are breaking at rapid speed whenever they have a chance.
Germany's Thomas Muller, left, fights for the ball with Japan's Takefusa Kubo
Great play from Germany as they work the ball well. Gundogan plays a lovely flick and the ball comes to Kimmich who fires the ball at goal, forcing Gonda into a good save.
Gnabry fires the resulting effort over but he is offside.
After FIFA didn't allow Manuel Neuer to wear a OneLove armband, Hansi Flick's side protested in a different way ahead of kick off.
Germany have a free kick and Rudiger gets his head on it but puts his effort wide.
The defender probably should have done better there...
Daizen Maeda had the ball in the net early on but he was quite far offside.
The Celtic player didn't need to go that early but it's a promising sign for Japan.
Japan are snapping at the heels of Germany who are yet to create a chance in this game.
There's been a few misplaced passes from Hansi Flick's side but they're dominating possession early on.
It's a very subdued atmosphere at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Nearly an amazing start for Japan - Kamada pinches the ball of Gundogan and Japan break at rapid pace.
He lays the ball off to Ito who plays a delightful ball into Maeda who finishes with aplomb.
But... he's quite far offside - he didn't need to go that early. An early warning for Germany though who could be vulnerable on the break.
Japan force an early corner after Musiala gives the ball away for Germany.
We've seen an early example of the pace of Maeda up-front for Japan who almost beat Rudiger to the ball despite the Real Madrid defender having a head start of a few metres - that could come in handy when Japan try and break forward.
Germany have started on the front foot, dominating the ball in the early stages. They've managed to pin Japan back who seem happy to sit in in as they grow into this game.
Germany get us underway and Group E is underway in Qatar.
Here we go...
We're expecting Kamada, the Eintracht Frankfurt attacking midfielder, to play in the No10 role today.
He is someone the Germans will know plenty about and is Japan's danger man.
The attacking midfielder has netted seven goals and laid on four assists in just 13 Bundesliga appearances this season.
He also played a key role in the German side qualifying from their Champions League group as he netted three times, including their crucial win over Sporting Lisbon in the final group game.
He is one of eight Japanese players who ply their trade in Germany.
Japan's Daichi Kamada warms up prior of the World Cup group E match between Germany and Japan
The players are out and kick off is just moments away, with the national anthems currently being played.
Thomas Muller of Germany looks on prior to kick off
Roy Keane couldn't resist taking a dig at England in the pre-match coverage on ITV.
The pundits were discussing Jamal Musiala and the tough-talking pundit referenced Jack Grealish and Declan Rice now playing for England after representing his native Republic of Ireland at youth level.
'He is a kid and learning his trade, what a place to be learning. It is nice to see England get a taste of their own medicine. They took Grealish and Rice… don’t get me started on that. We are looking forward to watching him. When they get interviewed and come across so mature. It is so impressive to see.'
Hansi Flick is back at the World Cup after being assistant to Joachim Low during Germany's successful 2014 campaign.
A quick reminder of how both sides are lining up today.
We are expecting them to match up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Germany XI: Neuer - Süle, Rüdiger, Schlotterbeck, Raum - Kimmich, Gündogan - Gnabry, Müller, Musiala - Havertz.
Japan XI: Gonda, Sakai, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo, Endo, Ito; Kamada, Tanaka, Kubo; Maeda.
Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer warms up ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group E football match between Germany and Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 23, 2022. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP) (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
Take a deep dive into the former England youth international and now Germany starlet Jamal Musiala below.
Germany head into a tournament without expectation on their shoulders for the first time in a long time.
After a dismal performance at Euro 2020, this World Cup is a free hit for new boss Hansi Flick - who's side are seen as a work in progress.
However, perhaps the reduced expectations is just what this resurgent but inconsistent Germany side need.
Few would put it past Flick's side going deep into the tournament.
Hansi Flick, head coach of Germany, before the FIFA World Cup 2022 group E match between Germany and Japan
Another wonderkid to keep an eye out for at the tournament is Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala.
The 19-year-old is considered one of the greatest prospects in world football having flourished for Bayern since breaking through in 2020.
Musiala joined the perennial Bundesliga champions from Chelsea the previous year and also spent time in the Southampton youth set-up after his family moved from Germany to England when he was seven.
The midfielder predominantly represented the Young Lions at youth level, going on to feature for England Under-21s before last year confirming he would play for his country of birth.
He has been in fine form so far this season and is definitely someone to keep an eye on in Qatar.
Jamal Musiala of Germany prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan
Roy Keane has also been speaking about Germany's hopes of success in Qatar ahead of kick off.
He told ITV:
'There is a good spirit among the group and they qualified easily. They have one or two weakness, such as a lack of pace and maybe an out and out goalscoring later in the tournament. As we have seen in the last few days it won’t be easy.'
Karen Carney, speaking in the ITV studio ahead of kick off, believes Germany need to perform for their fans after crashing out at the group stage in Russia four years ago.
She said: 'They owe the fans one after the last World Cup. Two previous World cup winners in the side, they have got a young player in Musiala and Kimmich as the quarter back and dictates the play.
'There should be no complacency after finishing bottom of the group in 2014. With Costa Rica and Spain in the group you have got to start well here.'
The countdown to kick off continues in Doha ...
The atmosphere already looks electric with more than half an hour still to go until kick off.
Both Japan and Germany fans are making their way into the Khalifa International Stadium and they look in good spirits.
Eintracht Frankfurt's Daichi Kamada starts for Japan today and he is someone the Germans will know plenty about.
The attacking midfielder has netted seven goals and laid on four assists in just 13 Bundesliga appearances this season.
He also played a key role in the German side qualifying from their Champions League group as he netted three times, including their crucial win over Sporting Lisbon in the final group game.
There is no doubt he is a key part of Japan's hopes today.
Daichi Kamada of Japan and Eintracht Frankfurt
For the first time in 16 years, Germany head into a tournament without Joachim Low and without expectation on their shoulders. After a dismal performance at Euro 2020, this World Cup is a free hit for new boss Hansi Flick - and not just because many fans back home won’t be watching.
The build-up to this tournament has been subdued, with Germany one of the strongest critics of Qatar’s human rights record. German fans have bought significantly fewer tickets than previous World Cups and several bars and pubs up and down the country are refusing to show any matches in protest.
There has even been suggestions that players should be ashamed for taking part in the tournament. Flick, though, is keeping the negativity at bay.
Read Kathryn Batte's full Germany preview below.
The earlier game in Group F ended 0-0 between Morocco and 2018 finalists Croatia.
Both sides cancelled each other out during the game, but the north African side will have felt like they deserved the win.
Read Sportsmail's match report below.
Germany look like they are going to line-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation today with Gnabry, Muller and Musiala playing behind Havertz.
Neuer - Süle, Rüdiger, Schlotterbeck, Raum - Kimmich, Gündogan - Gnabry, Müller, Musiala - Havertz.
Jamal Musiala of Germany is seen after inspecting the pitch
The Japan team is also out. There's no space for Arsenal's Tomiyasu who did pick up an injury for the Gunners against FC Zurich earlier this month.
Former Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino is on the bench, but there is a start for ex-Southampton centre-back Maya Yoshida.
Japan XI: Gonda, Sakai, Itakura, Yoshida, Nagatomo, Endo, Ito; Kamada, Tanaka, Kubo; Maeda.
The German players are having a look at the Khalifa International Stadium pitch ahead of kick off in just over an hour.
Leroy Sane is also out there despite the former Manchester City attacker missing the game through injury.
Here's a sneak peak inside the Germany dressing room ahead of kick off!
Germany's team is out and it looks a strong one from Hansi Flick.
2014 World Cup winners Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller start, while Bayern Munich wonderboy Jamal Musiala is also in the XI!
It looks like Chelsea forward Kai Havertz will lead the line, while former Blues defender Antonio Rudiger is at the back.
The atmosphere is building ahead of kick off in Doha with fans of both sides beginning to make their way into the stadium.
Japanese fans arrive at the stadium prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan
Germany fans also arrive at the stadium prior to kick off at the Khalifa International Stadium
After working their way through the convoluted qualification system in Asia, Japan finished second in their group in the AFC's third and final round to seal a place in Qatar.
Surprisingly at the time, Saudi Arabia finished above Japan but it was definitely a two-horse race for the top spot. Beaten by Oman and Saudi Arabia, Japan recovered to win six of their last seven games to secure safe passage.
Germany have never failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, meaning it was a pretty much sure thing they would be in Qatar - but how did they secure their place?
The Germans were overwhelming favourites to emerge from a weak qualifying group and did exactly that with nine wins from 10 matches. With 27 points, they finished nine clear of second-placed North Macedonia.
Flick's front-foot, high-tempo style helped them to 36 goals in 10 games, while they conceded just four. Two of those came in a shock defeat by North Macedonia in Duisburg but the Germans' place in Qatar was never at risk
There are several wonderkids on display at the world Cup - England's Jude Bellingham showed his undoubted talent in the Three Lions' 6-2 win over Iran on Monday.
However, he isn't the only Borussia Dortmund starlet looking to make a name for himself in Qatar.
Germany's Youssoufa Moukoko has just turned 18 and the forward could make his debut today.
Sportsmail's Tom Collomosse profiled the young talent below.
Talking of Tomiyasu - there was a heart-warming moment yesterday when he named Thiago as his favourite Spain player, only to realise that Luis Enrique hadn't picked the Liverpool midfielders in his squad for the World Cup.
Some more research on opponents needed Takehiro...
Ranked 24th in the world, Japan are outsiders to progress from Group E with both Germany and Spain in it.
Japan will have Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu leading their defence going into the tournament, while former Liverpool star Takumi Minamino will add quality in attack.
Kaoru Mitoma, the Brighton midfielder who has put in some impressive performances this season, will be an intriguing one to watch, while former Southampton defender Maya Yoshida will bring experience.
It's half-time in the Group F clash between Morocco and Croatia at the Al-Bayt Stadium with the score 0-0.
It's been a slow burner in truth, although Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou made a fine diving save to deny Nikola Vlasic from close range.
Remember, you can follow our live coverage of the game below...
Hansi Flick possesses several experienced stars in his squad including Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller who started their World Cup final victory over Argentina in 2014.
The solid core is supplemented by young talents like Jamal Musiala, with Flick's squad brimming with quality.
The star man for the Germans is Joshua Kimmich - the dependable Bayern Munich man may not be everyone's choice but he is often at the heart of everything right for club and country.
His versatility is a massive asset at a tournament but he is a player that holds others accountable and that is incredibly invaluable.
Typically deployed in central defensive midfielder in Flick's 4-2-3-1 system, if Kimmich is on song, everyone else in Germany's side can go and enjoy themselves.
No exaggeration to say he is the heartbeat of this team.
Just a reminder of the schedule for Group E in Qatar.
Germany vs Japan - November 23 (1pm)
Spain vs Costa Rica - November 23 (4pm)
Japan vs Costa Rica - November 27 (10am)
Spain vs Germany - November 27 (7pm)
Costa Rica vs Germany - December 1 (3pm)
Japan vs Spain - December 1 (3pm)
Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman sat down with German legend and World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann last week.
The Tottenham favourite discussed Germany's hopes in Qatar, his own World Cup experiences with his nation and the USA - while he also touched on England skipper Harry Kane.
Germany then beat Oman 1-0 in their final game before the tournament, but it was a rather underwhelming display from Hansi Flick's side.
Each of the 32 nations competing in Qatar have taken different methods in their approach to the tournament.
However, Germany took the unique step of heading to neighbouring Oman to acclimatise and prepare ahead of the World Cup.
Sportsmail's Oli Gamp was in Oman with the German side and has more information on their plans below.
Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane has been ruled out of Germany's World Cup opener against Japan with 'a knee problem'.
Hansi Flick's side completed their final training session before they travel to Doha in preparation for their first Group E game - however the Bayern winger wasn't present for the session.
The national side confirmed that the 26-year-old will not be available for the first game but there remain hopes that he'll be able to feature later in the group.
Mario Gotze's renaissance over the past year saw him named in Germany's final 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar - despite last playing for his nation in November 2017.
Gotze's greatest moment came at the World Cup in 2014 when he scored the winning goal to down Lionel Messi and Argentina and secure the trophy for Germany.
His stock was high but a battle with muscular myopathy disease, a type of chronic muscle inflammation, saw him step away and now, five years after he last played for Germany he is in their squad for the Qatar World Cup.
He'll be hoping to make an impact in Qatar, but Gotze is not expected to start for Hansi Flick's side against Japan.
The first game of the day is underway with the Group F clash between Morocco and Croatia kicking off day four of the tournament.
You can follow Sportsmail's live coverage of that game below.
Back in 2018, Japan gave one of the tournament favourites Belgium a huge scare in the Round of 16.
They went 2-0 up - before Roberto Martinez's side fought back and won 3-2, courtesy of a 94th minute strike from Nacer Chadli.
Nacer Chadli of Belgium celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Belgium and Japan
Japan's World Cup history is much less decorated than today's opponents, but they have reached the knockout stages on three occasions.
Having not qualified for the showpiece tournament until 1998, Qatar is the seventh-successive World Cup they have competed at.
They have never made it past the Round of 16 however, while they hosted the tournament in 2002 in collaboration with South Korea.
Japan team members train in Doha, Qatar, 22 November 2022
Germany crashed out in Russia four years ago when they suffered an embarrassing defeat to South Korea.
However, they have won the tournament on four occasions - including in 2014, when their path to victory included a memorable 7-1 win over hosts Brazil.
They then defeated Argentina in the final, with Mario Gotze scoring a winner in extra time.
German players celebrate with the trophy after the World Cup final between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium
Hansi Flick's side look in the mood for the start of their World Cup campaign, as they look to bounce back from a dismal group stage exit in Russia four years ago.
They also endured a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign last summer when they crashed out at the Round of 16 stage to England at Wembley.
These two teams are in Group E of the World Cup along with Spain and Costa Rica.
With two footballing giants in Spain and Germany, along with two potentially dangerous sides in Japan and Costa Rica - remember Costa Rica did top England's World Cup group in 2014 ahead of the Three Lions, Italy and Uruguay, it has been measured as one of the trickier groups in the tournament.
You can read Sportsmail's full World Cup guide to Group E below!
Germany vs Japan will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Doha.
The stadium has a capacity of 45,416 and is hosting eight games at the tournament - including the third-place play-off.
This stadium is unique as it is the only one being used at this World Cup that hasn't been specifically built for the tournament.
The Khalifa International Stadium was built in 1976 and redeveloped in 2017. It has hosted several large sporting events including the World Athletics Championships and the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2019.
It is also the only stadium from the tournament that won't be partially or fully dismantled following the World Cup.
Location: Al Rayyan, Doha
Stadium: Khalifa International Stadium
Khalifa International Stadium
The game between Germany vs Japan will be aired on ITV 1 in the UK, while you can also stream the action on the ITV Hub,
The game will be free to watch for all UK viewers with a TV License. Meanwhile, the following stations will be airing the game for American viewers: FOX, Telemundo, fuboTV, Peacock Premium and Sling Blue.
Australian viewers can tune into the game via SBS, who will be televising every match during the 2022 World Cup. SBS On Demand will also stream the Germany vs Japan fixture for those on the move.
If you're unable to watch the game live, you can relive the action via the FIFA YouTube Channel (Worldwide). The official YouTube channel will be posting highlight reels after each game.
GROUP A
QATAR 0-2 ECUADOR
SENEGAL 0-2 HOLLAND
GROUP B
ENGLAND 6-2 IRAN
USA 1-1 WALES
GROUP C
ARGENTINA 1-2 SAUDI ARABIA
MEXICO 0-0 POLAND
GROUP D
DENMARK 0-0 TUNISIA
FRANCE 4-1 AUSTRALIA
Lionel Messi of Argentina shows dejection during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia
Jude Bellingham of England celebrates with Mason Mount after scoring
Akram Afif of Qatar is dejected after Enner Valencia of Ecuador scores a penalty
The clash between these two nations is kicking off in just under four hours at 1pm UK time.
But what else is on the agenda in Qatar today?
10:00AM - Morocco v Croatia
1:00PM - Germany v Japan
4:00PM - Spain v Costa Rica
7:00PM - Belgium v Canada
Pyrotechnics explode around a giant FIFA World Cup trophy
And welcome to our live coverage of Germany vs Japan in Group E as both sides begin their 2022 World Cup campaigns.
Stay with us for all the build-up, team news and live updates from the clash in Qatar.
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Doha, Qatar - November 23, 2022 Germany fans are pictured with face paint and German flags REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Most watched Sport videos
- Jake Paul presses Ryan Garcia on failed drug test during livestream
- Jurgen Klopp SLAMS TNT Sports
- Jurgen Klopp attacks English football and 'overworked' Premier League
- Arsenal pay tribute to Gunners fan Daniel Anjorin at the Emirates
- Dana White's bizarre rant against Netflix during Tom Brady roast
- Lando Norris shows off trophy on TikTok celebrating his first F1 win
- Ed Sheeran celebrates Ipswich Town's promotion from Miami
- 'Hugely disappointing outcome': Spurs manager reflects on loss
- Liverpool manager reflects on winning game against Tottenham
- 'I did not enjoy today': Moyes rues West Ham defeat to Chelsea
- Guardiola: 'Haaland was frustrated but I can guarantee he is happy'
- Vunipola recalls the moment he was tasered twice by police
