Germany 1 – 2 Japan

Coming a matter of hours after Saudi Arbia’s scintillating victory over Argentina, it was the turn of the Japanese to throw a colossal spanner at one of the big boys. And once again, the underdogs were more than good for their win. The Germans were far less toothless than the Argentines and were it not for a string of saves from Shuichi Gonda, they would’ve put the game to bed themsleves. However, a couple of inspired Japan subs later – coupled with some Beazer Homes League level goalkeeping slash defending – it was arigatou and one foot in the next round.