Instead of the win they had long thought assured, the German national team suffered a setback at the start of the irWorld Cup campaign on Wednesday: In the 2-1 (0-1) defeat to Japan in Group E, even a strong Bayern contingent with Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Thomas Müller and Serge Gnabry in the starting XI couldn't prevent the loss. Leon Goretzka also came off the bench later in the game (67th minute), Leroy Sané was absent due to injury.
İlkay Gündoğan put the German side in front with a spot kick in the 33rd minute. It was preceded by a foul on David Raum, whom Kimmich had released with a strong diagonal pass in the box. Despite numerous good chances, the DFB team were unable to extend their lead and were stung by the equaliser from Freiburg's Ritsu Doan (76') with just under a quarter of an hour of the game left. In the final stages, Bochum's Takuma Asano (83') even managed to grab a second for Japan to turn the game around and secure the win.
Mazraoui substituted in draw with Croatia
Morocco and Croatia played out a goalless draw in the opening match of World Cup Group F on Wednesday afternoon. Bayern's Noussair Mazraoui had a chance to put the North Africans ahead in the 51st minute, but his diving header was saved by Croatia keeper Dominik Livaković. The 25-year-old full-back fell awkwardly in the attempt and was taken off after an hour. There was no face-off with club teammate and Croatia defender Josip Stanišić, who watched the game from the bench.
Bayern defender Lucas Hernández's World Cup came to an end after just eight minutes:
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