JAPAN RATINGS: Shuichi Gonda - 7, While there was nothing he could do about Alvaro Morata’s header, Gonda saved the striker’s instinctive shot and punched away Dani Olmo’s corner delivery. Was helped by Maya Yoshida after saving Marco Asensio’s shot, then made a vital stop to deny Olmo near the end. EPA
JAPAN RATINGS: Shuichi Gonda - 7, While there was nothing he could do about Alvaro Morata’s header, Gonda saved the striker’s instinctive shot and punched away Dani Olmo’s corner delivery. Was helped by Maya Yoshida after saving Marco Asensio’s shot, then made a vital stop to deny Olmo near the end. EPA
Kou Itakura - 7, Switched off for the opener and then struggled to match Morata’s run as the striker got a shot off. Booked for going through the back of Pedri. However, he was solid in the second period, even if he couldn’t beat Unai Simon with his header from the edge of the box. EPA
Kou Itakura - 7, Switched off for the opener and then struggled to match Morata’s run as the striker got a shot off. Booked for going through the back of Pedri. However, he was solid in the second period, even if he couldn’t beat Unai Simon with his header from the edge of the box. EPA
Maya Yoshida - 8, Scrambled the ball away from Morata and Olmo, then stepped forward well to intercept Pau Torres’ pass before epitomising Japan’s struggles in the first half and losing it immediately. Booked for going through the back of Morata. Made some brilliant clearances in the second half, including an instinctive one to keep the ball away from Ferran Torres in the six-yard box. EPA
Maya Yoshida - 8, Scrambled the ball away from Morata and Olmo, then stepped forward well to intercept Pau Torres’ pass before epitomising Japan’s struggles in the first half and losing it immediately. Booked for going through the back of Morata. Made some brilliant clearances in the second half, including an instinctive one to keep the ball away from Ferran Torres in the six-yard box. EPA
Shogo Taniguchi - 9, Was solid defensively, making a great block to stop Olmo’s shot from the edge of the box. Booked for a late challenge on Gavi. Dealt with Marco Asensio’s cross well and headed away Olmo’s ambitious strike as he played a key role in ensuring that Spain couldn’t find an equaliser. Getty Images
Shogo Taniguchi - 9, Was solid defensively, making a great block to stop Olmo’s shot from the edge of the box. Booked for a late challenge on Gavi. Dealt with Marco Asensio’s cross well and headed away Olmo’s ambitious strike as he played a key role in ensuring that Spain couldn’t find an equaliser. Getty Images
Junya Ito - 8, Hit the side netting from a promising position but most of his work was of a defensive nature, and he did well to stand up against Olmo when it looked as though he’d been beaten. Did brilliantly to put Alejandro Balde under pressure and win the ball in the build-up to Ritsu Doan’s goal. AFP
Junya Ito - 8, Hit the side netting from a promising position but most of his work was of a defensive nature, and he did well to stand up against Olmo when it looked as though he’d been beaten. Did brilliantly to put Alejandro Balde under pressure and win the ball in the build-up to Ritsu Doan’s goal. AFP
Hidemasa Morita - 7, While his passing in the first half wasn’t the best, Morita made a series of important defensive contributions, especially in the second half, notably cutting out Pau Torres’ pass in added time. AP Photo
Hidemasa Morita - 7, While his passing in the first half wasn’t the best, Morita made a series of important defensive contributions, especially in the second half, notably cutting out Pau Torres’ pass in added time. AP Photo
Yuto Nagatomo - 6, Defended well for large periods, including when he slid in to keep the ball away from Gavi. Looked forward at times but was let down by players mistiming their runs. AFP
Yuto Nagatomo - 6, Defended well for large periods, including when he slid in to keep the ball away from Gavi. Looked forward at times but was let down by players mistiming their runs. AFP
Ao Tanaka - 7, Passed the ball well in tight spaces. Scored the goal that put Japan ahead with his thigh, then put in a shift for the team and took a blow to the head when going up for a header with Rodrigo. Getty Images
Ao Tanaka - 7, Passed the ball well in tight spaces. Scored the goal that put Japan ahead with his thigh, then put in a shift for the team and took a blow to the head when going up for a header with Rodrigo. Getty Images
Takefusa Kubo - 4, Worked hard for the team but lacked any real conviction with the ballt. Notably played a wasteful pass after Daizen Maeda had won possession in Spain’s box. EPA
Takefusa Kubo - 4, Worked hard for the team but lacked any real conviction with the ballt. Notably played a wasteful pass after Daizen Maeda had won possession in Spain’s box. EPA
Daizen Maeda - 6, Was sharp in the early stages, robbing Sergio Busquets in his own box. Even though he had very little service, the striker picked his moments to press and gave Unai Simon an awkward moment. AFP
Daizen Maeda - 6, Was sharp in the early stages, robbing Sergio Busquets in his own box. Even though he had very little service, the striker picked his moments to press and gave Unai Simon an awkward moment. AFP
Daichi Kamada - 6, Roamed offside on a couple of occasions and had a shot blocked. Struggled to have any impact on the game in the first half, finding himself surrounded by three Spaniards on one occasion. Stepped up a bit more in the second period. EPA
Daichi Kamada - 6, Roamed offside on a couple of occasions and had a shot blocked. Struggled to have any impact on the game in the first half, finding himself surrounded by three Spaniards on one occasion. Stepped up a bit more in the second period. EPA
SUBS: Kaoru Mitoma (Nagatomo HT) - 8, Brought extra energy and did superbly to reach Doan’s cross. Put in some brilliant defensive work when called upon. Did well to race up the pitch and set up a chance for Takuma Asano. AFP
SUBS: Kaoru Mitoma (Nagatomo HT) - 8, Brought extra energy and did superbly to reach Doan’s cross. Put in some brilliant defensive work when called upon. Did well to race up the pitch and set up a chance for Takuma Asano. AFP
Ritsu Doan (Kubo, HT) - 9, Stunned Spain by smashing his effort past Simon within three minutes of coming off the bench, then delivered the cross that resulted in Tanaka scoring. Also put in a lot of good defensive work and helped block Jordi Alba’s shot towards the end. EPA
Ritsu Doan (Kubo, HT) - 9, Stunned Spain by smashing his effort past Simon within three minutes of coming off the bench, then delivered the cross that resulted in Tanaka scoring. Also put in a lot of good defensive work and helped block Jordi Alba’s shot towards the end. EPA
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 01: Takuma Asano of Japan controls the ball against Sergio Busquets of Spain during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Japan and Spain at Khalifa International Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Mason / Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 01: Takuma Asano of Japan controls the ball against Sergio Busquets of Spain during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Japan and Spain at Khalifa International Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Mason / Getty Images)
Takehiru Tomiyasu (Kamada 69) - 7, Did brilliantly to match Alba’s run and marshal the ball out of play, then ensured Ansu Fati couldn’t get a clear cross as Japan saw out the win. Getty Images
Takehiru Tomiyasu (Kamada 69) - 7, Did brilliantly to match Alba’s run and marshal the ball out of play, then ensured Ansu Fati couldn’t get a clear cross as Japan saw out the win. Getty Images
Wataru Endo (Tanaka 87’) - NR/, Came on for the final minutes to help Japan secure the three points that ensured they top the group. Getty Images
Wataru Endo (Tanaka 87’) - NR/, Came on for the final minutes to help Japan secure the three points that ensured they top the group. Getty Images
SPAIN RATINGS: Unai Simon 4 - The shot for Japan’s equaliser was a fast one, but the goalkeeper should have saved it. Uneasy on a cross two minutes later which led to Doan’s second. Not good enough. AP
SPAIN RATINGS: Unai Simon 4 - The shot for Japan’s equaliser was a fast one, but the goalkeeper should have saved it. Uneasy on a cross two minutes later which led to Doan’s second. Not good enough. AP
Cesar Azpilicueta 7 - Assisted the opening goal, put his foot on the ball then floated a ball perfectly for Morata, reviving an old Chelsea connection. AP Photo
Cesar Azpilicueta 7 - Assisted the opening goal, put his foot on the ball then floated a ball perfectly for Morata, reviving an old Chelsea connection. AP Photo
Rodri 6 - Assured in the first half, floundered when Japan’s second went in and then gave the ball away which led to another Japan attack. Touched the ball 218 times – no player has come close to that figure in this World Cup finals. AFP
Rodri 6 - Assured in the first half, floundered when Japan’s second went in and then gave the ball away which led to another Japan attack. Touched the ball 218 times – no player has come close to that figure in this World Cup finals. AFP
Pau Torres 6 - The Villarreal defender blocked one of the few first-half Japanese attacks, but wobbled big time in the second half as did his team became woefully complacent and deserved to lose. AP
Pau Torres 6 - The Villarreal defender blocked one of the few first-half Japanese attacks, but wobbled big time in the second half as did his team became woefully complacent and deserved to lose. AP
Alejandro Balde 6 - Fast, strong, young. Only made his Spain Under 21 debut in September and his full debut last week – after he came into the squad because of an injury to Gaya. Unable to clear a poor ball from his goalkeeper before the first goal and then the ball went through his legs before Japan’s disallowed second. AP Photo
Alejandro Balde 6 - Fast, strong, young. Only made his Spain Under 21 debut in September and his full debut last week – after he came into the squad because of an injury to Gaya. Unable to clear a poor ball from his goalkeeper before the first goal and then the ball went through his legs before Japan’s disallowed second. AP Photo
Gavi 6 - Another cog in the well-oiled Spanish team who are excellent in - and for the 12% of time when they don’t have the ball – out of possession. Yet that model was shot to pieces by two quick Japanese goals. EPA
Gavi 6 - Another cog in the well-oiled Spanish team who are excellent in - and for the 12% of time when they don’t have the ball – out of possession. Yet that model was shot to pieces by two quick Japanese goals. EPA
Pedri 6 - Effective in the first half when fouled in a yellow card challenge after 38 minutes – a time when Spain looked so comfortable that anything but a victory for La Rioja seemed implausible. EPA
Pedri 6 - Effective in the first half when fouled in a yellow card challenge after 38 minutes – a time when Spain looked so comfortable that anything but a victory for La Rioja seemed implausible. EPA
Nico Williams 6 - Played high like Olmo which helped hold Japan back, but effective between the midfield and defence. Had a shot on goal on 45. EPA
Nico Williams 6 - Played high like Olmo which helped hold Japan back, but effective between the midfield and defence. Had a shot on goal on 45. EPA
Alvaro Morata 7 - His first start and gave Spain the lead after 11 minutes, getting between the two central defenders to head home. Fine positioning. Three games, three goals in the finals and 30 in 60 for Spain. EPA
Alvaro Morata 7 - His first start and gave Spain the lead after 11 minutes, getting between the two central defenders to head home. Fine positioning. Three games, three goals in the finals and 30 in 60 for Spain. EPA
Dani Olmo 7 - Stayed high to pin Japan back in front of the 44,851 fans. Had an 89th minute chance to equalise, but side-footed the ball straight at the goalkeeper. Had more shots than any other player. AP Photo
Dani Olmo 7 - Stayed high to pin Japan back in front of the 44,851 fans. Had an 89th minute chance to equalise, but side-footed the ball straight at the goalkeeper. Had more shots than any other player. AP Photo
SUBS: Dani Carvajal 6 - On for Azpilicueta on 46 – and he walked into a storm. Needed for last gasp defending just to keep Japan at 2-1. EPA
SUBS: Dani Carvajal 6 - On for Azpilicueta on 46 – and he walked into a storm. Needed for last gasp defending just to keep Japan at 2-1. EPA
Ferran Torres 5 - On for Morata after 56. Combined well with Olmo with a one-two but Spain couldn’t get an equaliser to top the group. Getty
Ferran Torres 5 - On for Morata after 56. Combined well with Olmo with a one-two but Spain couldn’t get an equaliser to top the group. Getty
Jordi Alba 5 - On for Balde after 68 - and one of seven Barcelona men who played for Spain in this game. EPA
Jordi Alba 5 - On for Balde after 68 - and one of seven Barcelona men who played for Spain in this game. EPA
Ansu Fati 5 - On for Gavi after 68. Manager Luis Enrique had spoken glowingly of him before the match, but limited impact. EPA
Ansu Fati 5 - On for Gavi after 68. Manager Luis Enrique had spoken glowingly of him before the match, but limited impact. EPA

World Cup

Japan vs Spain player ratings: Doan 9, Yoshida 8; Morata 7, Gavi 6

Japan's 2-1 win sees them top Group E, while Spain also advance to the World Cup last 16 despite Germany's win over Costa Rica

Danny Lewis
Andy Mitten

December 02, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Spain staggered through to the World Cup last 16 on Thursday despite a 2-1 defeat by Japan, who remarkably won Group E on a rollercoaster night when four-time champions Germany were eliminated.

Japan secured another incredible triumph after beating Germany in their opening game, with their progression from the "group of death" one of the greatest achievements in the country's footballing history.

For a few heart-stopping minutes Spain were poised to head out when Costa Rica were leading in the other game, but the 2010 champions squeezed through after Germany did them a favour by coming back to beat Los Ticos.

Spain and Germany ended on four points each, but La Roja progressed on goal difference in second place.

Alvaro Morata sent Spain ahead early on with a towering header, but Japan dramatically struck back at the start of the second half.

Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka's goals saw them mount a sensational comeback, just as they did against Germany.

Tanaka's goal was highly controversial after the officials relied on VAR to decide Kaoru Mitoma had kept the ball in play by a hair's breadth to set him up.

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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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LA LIGA FIXTURES

Friday Valladolid v Osasuna (Kick-off midnight UAE)

Saturday Valencia v Athletic Bilbao (5pm), Getafe v Sevilla (7.15pm), Huesca v Alaves (9.30pm), Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (midnight)

Sunday Real Sociedad v Eibar (5pm), Real Betis v Villarreal (7.15pm), Elche v Granada (9.30pm), Barcelona v Levante (midnight)

Monday Celta Vigo v Cadiz (midnight)

RESULTS

1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner AF Almomayaz, Hugo Lebouc (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)

2pm Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner Karaginsky, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Sadeedd, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.

3pm Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,950m

Winner Blue Sovereign, Clement Lecoeuvre, Erwan Charpy.

3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.

4pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Bladesmith, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.

4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m

Winner Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.

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The biog

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Age: 50

Profession: Electronic engineer, worked with Etisalat for the past 20 years

Hobbies: 'Anything that involves exploration, hunting, fishing, mountaineering, the sea, hiking, scuba diving, and adventure sports'

Favourite quote: 'Life is so simple, enjoy it'

The specs: 2018 Audi R8 V10 RWS

Price: base / as tested: From Dh632,225

Engine: 5.2-litre V10

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 540hp @ 8,250rpm

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Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L / 100km

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Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
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SQUADS

India
Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur

New Zealand
Kane Williamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Ish Sodhi, George Worker, Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
HOSTS

T20 WORLD CUP 

2024: US and West Indies; 2026: India and Sri Lanka; 2028: Australia and New Zealand; 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland 

ODI WORLD CUP 

2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; 2031: India and
Bangladesh 

CHAMPIONS TROPHY 

2025: Pakistan; 2029: India  

Updated: December 02, 2022, 3:30 AM
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