As Germany constantly struggles with poor performances, manager Hansi Flick has faced backlash. After two consecutive defeats, Germany faced Japan in a friendly match. In a high-pressure game, the host failed to capitalise on the opportunity and lost by 1-4. Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane was the only scorer for Germany.
Junya Ito initiated the scoring for the visitors by netting a goal in the 11th minute, capitalising on a low cross at the far post. However, Germany swiftly responded, drawing level in the 19th minute with a brilliant passing sequence culminating in Leroy Sané’s left-footed finish. This provided limited relief for Flick.
Just three minutes later, Ayase Ueda, the Feyenoord forward, caught Germany off guard. He deceived the keeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, after a well-executed manoeuvre down the right wing. Ter Stegen saved another Japanese goal-scoring opportunity when Ueda exploited a defensive lapse. However, his shot was saved by the German goalkeeper.
Ter Stegen’s heroics failed as Japan continued to strike
Japan continued to press, with two rapid-fire chances just two minutes into the second half, but Ter Stegen’s heroics kept Germany in contention. In the 70th minute, Ter Stegen once again exhibited his goalkeeping prowess, first pushing Asano’s close-range shot wide and then denying Kaoru Mitoma’s rebound effort. However, Japan continued to dominate both possessions and opportunities.
Asano ultimately redeemed himself in the 90th minute, calmly slotting in a goal to seal a repeat of Japan’s victory over Germany at the 2022 World Cup. In injury time, Tanaka delivered the final blow with a header, as the home crowd expressed their discontent with jeers and whistles raining down from the stands. With these back-to-back losses, Flick’s job is under immense pressure. “We have to be honest and say that Japan was better. They let the ball run, they played the right spaces, carved out their goals. They were better,” the Germany captain, Ilkay Gündogan
