Big Win For Spain, Germany Lose To Japan
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Spain 7
[Olmo 11, Asensio 21, F Torres 31 pen, 54, Gavi 74, Soler 90, Morata 90+2]
Costa Rica 0
Spain made a scintillating start to the World Cup after thrashing Costa Rica in Group E in Doha today.
Ferran Torres scored twice while Gavi, the Barcelona teenager, announced himself on the world stage with a superb volley to become the youngest World Cup goal-scorer since Brazilian legend Pelé.
Also on target for the 2010 champions were Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio and substitutes Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata.
Germany 1
[Gundogan 33 pen]
Japan 2
[Doan 75, Asano 83]
Japan caused a major upset at the World Cup after a stunning coming back to beat Germany in Qatar.
Germany, the four-time winners, took the lead in the Group E match when Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan converted from the penalty spot in the first half.
However, Japan substitute Ritsu Doan found an equaliser midway through the second period before Takuma Asano fired home from an acute angle to seal a famous victory for his country and leave Germany shell-shocked.
Belgium 1
[Batshuayi 44]
Canada 0
Belgium survived a scare in their World Cup opener against Canada.
Playing in their first World Cup since 1986, Canada won a penalty in the first half of the Group F game, but Alphonso Davies saw his effort saved by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Belgium found a winner just before half-time when Michy Batshuayi latched onto a long ball from defender Toby Alderweireld before firing a left-footed shot past Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan.
Courtois was in top form for Belgium, making several fine saves as Canada were left ruing their prolificacy in front of goal.
Morocco 0 Croatia 0
Croatia and Morocco had to settle for a share of the spoils after a goalless draw in their Group F game at the World Cup.
Tomorrow’s games
Group G
Switzerland v Cameroon, 6 am
Brazil v Serbia, 3 pm
Group H
Uruguay v South Korea, 9 am
Portugal v Ghana, 12 pm
