Japan 2022
Japan at Qatar 2022 stunned the footballing world twice in the group stage comebacks that will be replayed for generations. Against Germany, the four-time champions, Japan trailed 1-0 at half-time before substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano turned the match on its head for a 2-1 victory. Then they did it again: trailing Spain 1-0, Japan scored twice in the second half the second goal controversially allowed after a VAR review judged the ball had not fully crossed the line. Two giants beaten, the group topped. In the round of 16, Croatia held firm and won on penalties Japan's familiar heartbreak at the knockout stage. But the Samurai Blue's disciplined, fearless style and their fans' tradition of cleaning the stadium after every match won admirers worldwide. Japan left Qatar with no trophy but enormous respect.
