
2022 World Cup Recap: Spain shows its dominance, while Japan stuns Germany 2-1 in another major upset on Wednesday
2022 World Cup Groups:
- Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
- Group B: England, Iran, USA, Wales
- Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
- Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
- Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
- Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
- Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
- Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea
Recapping the Wednesday action:
CROATIA 0, MOROCCO 0 (DRAW)
- What: World Cup, Group Stage (F): Matchday 1 of 3
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 @ 4 a.m. CT
- Where: Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
- FIFA World Ranking: Croatia No. 12, Morocco No. 22
Wednesday morning’s match between 2018 World Cup runner-up and local fan favorite Morocco ended in a 0-0 draw, with each team taking home one point in the Group F standings despite Croatia holding a commanding 65% to 35% time of possession gap. The Moroccans were much more efficient with the ball, however, as they tallied eight total shots (to five for Croatia) and tied Croatia with two shots on goal. It was the third scoreless draw in the first nine world cup matches. Morocco moves to 3-0-3 in its previous six international contests, allowing zero goals in its past five outings since a 2-2 draw against host nation Qatar in August. The “Lions of Atlas” will face a stiff test on Sunday when they face No. 2-ranked Belgium in what could be a fierce battle for qualifying position in Group F. Croatia should breathe a bit easier heading into the weekend, with a match looming against the No. 41-ranked Canadians.
Next – Sunday, Nov. 27 (Matchday 2 of 3)
- Group F: Belgium (No. 2) vs. Morocco (No. 22)
- When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group F: Croatia (No. 12) vs. Canada (No. 41)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
JAPAN 2, GERMANY 1
- What: World Cup, Group Stage (E): Matchday 1 of 3
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 @ 7 a.m. CT
- Where: Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- FIFA World Ranking: Germany No. 11, Japan No. 24
Japan used two late goals, one in the 75th minute and another in the 83rd minute, to stun Germany in Group E opening play on Wednesday morning. Germany led 1-0 for nearly 45 minutes following a penalty score by İlkay Gündoğan. The Germans were utterly dominant with the ball throughout the match despite the loss. They held a massive 74% to 26% edge in time of possession and attempted an eye-popping 26 shots and nine shots on goal, eight of which were recorded as saves by 33-year-old Japanese goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda. On the other hand, Japan finished the match with less than half the total shots (12) and shots on goal (six) as its German counterparts. Japan was also issued 14 fouls by the referees, compared to just six for Germany, although not a single yellow card was given in the duration of the game. It will be a desperate match come Sunday when Germany faces No. 7-ranked Spain at Al Bayt Stadium in what will surely be an elimination game for the No. 11-ranked Germans. Japan has a chance to clinch its ticket to the knockout stage with a victory over Costa Rica when the two sides meet on Sunday at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, at 4 a.m. CT.
Next – Sunday, Nov. 27 (Matchday 2 of 3)
- Group E: Japan (No. 24) vs. Costa Rica (No. 31)
- When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group E: Spain (No. 7) vs. Germany (No. 11)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
SPAIN 7, COSTA RICA 0
- What: World Cup, Group Stage (E): Matchday 1 of 3
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 @ 10 a.m. CT
- Where: Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- FIFA World Ranking: Spain No. 7, Costa Rica No. 31
The 2010 World Cup champions put on the most dominant display of the 2022 World Cup so far, as Spain trounced Costa Rica 7-0 at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The Spanish possessed the ball for 82% of the match, compared to just 18% for the Costa Ricans, which failed to muster a single shot overall for the entire match. Spain attempted 18 shots to zero for Costa Rica, and only one of its eight shots on goals failed to find the back of the net. Ferran Torres, a 22-year-old forward from Barcelona, scored back-to-back goals in the 31st and 54th minute. Torres’ second goal came on a penalty kick which made it 4-0 in the early stages of the second half. The barrage continued late with the Spanish reserves as well, as “Gavi” scored on a volley in the 74th minute, while Carlos Soler and Álvaro Morata scored in the 90th and 92nd minute, respectively. Spain led 2-0 after the 22nd minute with early goals from Dani Olmo (11’) and Marco Asensio (21’). “La Furia Roja” of Spain will face a desperate Germain side on Sunday after the Germans dropped a stunning 2-1 defeat to Japan, while Costa Rica will attempt to get its first shot on goal with an easier matchup against the No.-24 ranked Japanese.
Next – Sunday, Nov. 27 (Matchday 2 of 3)
- Group E: Japan (No. 24) vs. Costa Rica (No. 31)
- When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group E: Spain (No. 7) vs. Germany (No. 11)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
BELGIUM 1, CANADA 0
- What: World Cup, Group Stage (F): Matchday 1 of 3
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022 @ 1 p.m. CT
- Where: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- FIFA World Ranking: Belgium No. 2, Canada No. 41
A Michy Batshuayi goal in the 44th minute was just enough to lift Belgium to a 1-0 win against Canada at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Canada had an excellent chance to take an early lead in the 10th minute of action, but Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved Alphonso Davies’ penalty kick. The Canadians were surprisingly strong from start to finish despite the end result. Canada more than doubled Belgium in total shots (22 to nine) and also tied Belgium with three shots on goal. Each team finished the game with four corner kicks apiece in a match, with the aura of another monumental upset looming. The No. 2-ranked Belgians earned the three points nonetheless, and they’re now sitting nicely atop Group F, with Croatia and Morocco behind at one point each after their draw in the early Wednesday game.
Next – Sunday, Nov. 27 (Matchday 2 of 3)
- Group F: Belgium (No. 2) vs. Morocco (No. 22)
- When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group F: Croatia (No. 12) vs. Canada (No. 41)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
Thursday’s Schedule (Nov. 24, 2022): Matchday 1 of 3
- Group G: Switzerland (No. 15) vs. Cameroon (No. 43)
- When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Group H: Uruguay (No. 14) vs. South Korea (No. 28)
- When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group H: Portugal (No. 9) vs. Ghana (No. 61)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha Qatar)
- Group G: Brazil (No. 1) vs. Serbia (No. 21)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
Friday’s Schedule (Nov. 25, 2022): Matchday 2 of 3
- Group B: Wales (No. 19) vs. Iran (No. 20)
- When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group A: Senegal (No. 18) vs. Qatar (No. 50)
- When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group A: Netherlands (No. 8) vs. Ecuador (No. 44)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group B: England (No. 5) vs. USA (No. 16)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
Saturday’s Schedule (Nov. 26, 2022): Matchday 2 of 3
- Group D: Tunisia (No. 30) vs. Australia (No. 38)
- When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Group C: Poland (No. 26) vs. Saudi Arabia (No. 51)
- When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group D: France (No. 4) vs. Denmark (No. 10)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)
- Group C: Argentina (No. 3) vs. Mexico (No. 13)
- When, where: 2M CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
Sunday’s Schedule (Nov. 27, 2022): Matchday 2 of 3
- Group E: Japan (No. 24) vs. Costa Rica (No. 31)
- When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group F: Belgium (No. 2) vs. Morocco (No. 22)
- When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group F: Croatia (No. 12) vs. Canada (No. 41)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group E: Spain (No. 7) vs. Germany (No. 11)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
Monday’s Schedule (Nov. 28, 2022): Matchday 2 of 3
- Group G: Serbia (No. 21) vs. Cameroon (No. 43)
- When, where: 4 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Group H: South Korea (No. 28) vs. Ghana (No. 61)
- When, where: 7 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group G: Brazil (No. 1) vs. Switzerland (No. 15)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)
- Group H: Portugal (No. 9) vs. Uruguay (No. 14)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
Tuesday’s Schedule (Nov. 29, 2022): Matchday 3 of 3
- Group A: Senegal (No. 18) vs. Ecuador (No. 44)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group A: Netherlands (No. 8) vs. Qatar (No. 50)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
- Group B: England (No. 5) vs. Wales (No. 19)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Ahmad al Bin Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group B: USA (No. 16) vs. Iran (No. 20)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
Wednesday’s Schedule (Nov. 30, 2022): Matchday 3 of 3
- Group D: France (No. 4) vs. Tunisia (No. 30)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group D: Denmark (No. 10) vs. Australia (No. 38)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Group C: Mexico (No. 13) vs. Saudi Arabia (No. 51)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
- Group C: Argentina (No. 3) vs. Poland (No. 26)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Stadium 974, (Doha, Qatar)
Thursday’s Schedule (Dec. 1, 2022): Matchday 3 of 3
- Group F: Morocco (No. 22) vs. Canada (No. 41)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group F: Belgium (No. 2) vs. Croatia (No. 12)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Group E: Germany (No. 11) vs. Costa Rica (No. 31)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
- Group E: Spain (No. 7) vs. Japan (No. 24)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
Friday’s Schedule (Dec. 2, 2022): Matchday 3 of 3
- Group H: Portugal (No. 9) vs. South Korea (No. 28)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Group H: Uruguay (No. 14) vs. Ghana (No. 61)
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Group G: Brazil (No. 1) vs. Cameroon (No. 43)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)
- Group G: Switzerland (No. 15) vs. Serbia (No. 21)
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)
Rd of 16: Saturday, Dec. 3
- Who: 1A vs. 2B
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
- Who: 1C vs. 2D
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
Rd of 16: Sunday, Dec. 4
- Who: 1D vs. 2C
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Who: 1B vs. 2A
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, Qatar)
Rd of 16: Monday, Dec. 5
- Who: 1E vs. 2F
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
- Who: 1G vs. 2H
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Stadium 974 (Doha, Qatar)
Rd of 16: Tuesday, Dec. 6
- Who: 1F vs. 2E
- When, where: 10 a.m. CT, Education City Stadium (Doha, Qatar)
- Who: 1H vs. 2G
- When, where: 1 p.m. CT, Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail, Qatar)