The world news talks of »hara-kiri« and "days when the powerful fall."
Despite multiple scoring chances, the German national soccer team lost their opening encounter at the World Cup in Qatar. The DFB selection, which appeared to be dominant for a long time, was defeated by Japan 1: 2 (1: 0). The reactions of the international media:
Italy:
»La Repubblica«: »The fall of the gods: after Argentina , Germany too falls .«
»Gazzetta dello Sport«: »Germany's hara-kiri: Japan pulls off the coup and wins 2-1 after catching up.«
Spain:
»Marca«: »Japan leaves Germany speechless. The Germans are protesting against discrimination, and the Japanese are making a bang.«
»As«: »German hara-kiri. Flick's team was unable to bag a game they were in control of. The Japanese fighting spirit provided the second big surprise of this World Cup.«
"Sport": "Before the debut against Spain, Japan deals a heavy blow to the German team."
"Mundo Deportivo": "Japan overthrows Germany in the Spain group! The Japanese selection manages a historic victory against the four-time world champion.«
»El País«: »Flick's change lets Germany crumble against Japan. The German team had clearly asserted themselves until the coach allowed the Japanese to catch up by replacing Gündogan and Musiala with Goretzka and Götze.«
Switzerland:
»Blick«: »The spit stays away. Instead of starting the World Cup with an easy victory, Germany is already in trouble after 90 minutes in Qatar. (...) Japan creates the sensation. And leaves the whole of Germany speechless.«
Netherlands:
»Algemeen Dagblad«: »Germany makes an impression with a statement, but doesn't let its legs speak and goes down against Japan. Germany only impressed ahead of the game against Japan on Wednesday. With a cracking statement against Fifa , the players gave a clear message. The performance afterwards was much less convincing. Which meant: Just like four years ago, the team experienced another unsuccessful start, this time with the 1: 2 against Japan.«
Great Britain:
»The Sun«: »The Mexicans waved them goodbye four years ago. And when the Mexican wave swept through the Khalifa Stadium, Germany could be on the way home again quickly thanks to the Japanese super substitutes.”
»Daily Mirror«: »Another day, another World Cup shock. Germany traveled to Qatar as one of the tournament favorites, but two Bundesliga players, Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano, scored within eight minutes of the second half and brought Hansi Flick's team to the brink of elimination after just one game.”
»The Guardian« : »Japan's first win against Germany shook the World Cup and was the reward for Hajime Moriyasu's courage.«
UNITED STATES:
Washington Post: Japan's 2-1 win over Germany from a 1-0 deficit doesn't quite match the miracle of Saudi Arabia's 2-1 win over Argentina, but it added another treasure to the World Cup.
»New York Times«: »These are the days when the mighty fall. On day three of the World Cup, Argentina were left reeling after a crushing defeat. On day four it was Germany's turn. Another of the tournament favorites was shocked and humiliated by a supposed point provider.«