Fifa World Cup: Results and reactions from day eleven
Spain are looking to clinch top spot in Group E at the 2022 World Cup with a win against Japan this evening.
Luis Enrique’s side were hit back by Germany last time out, but are still poised to finish first if they can beat Japan, who were stunned by Costa Rica and must win here to stand a chance of making the last 16.
The 2010 champions need a point to guarantee their qualification for the knockout-phase, while half-an-eye will be on the other match in Group E between Costa Rica and Germany.
“We have to think that we are at the top of the so-called Group of Death and we have to stay positive,” Spain boss Luis Enrique said ahead of the match.
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World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
35 mins: Nervy moment for Spain keeper Unai Simon as he’s closed down by Maeda, but he JUST about gets his pass away to Azpilicueta on the right.
That was a close run thing!
Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:35
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
30 mins: Spain just supreme at keeping the ball at the moment – it almost mirrors a training session does this match so far.
That being said, for all of Spain’s domination, it’s still only 1-0. Japan only need a moment…
Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:30
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
25 mins: Great block from Japan defender Kou Itakura to block Dani Olmo squeezing the ball in at the near post!
Japan just need to keep Spain within arm’s length right now…
Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:25
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
23 mins: Death by a hundred passes? Something like that.
Spain just toying a little bit with Japan here. Gavi sets up Morata in behind but his shot is straight at Gonda.
Meanwhile, here’s Morata’s goal!
Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:23
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
17 mins: Spain are doing their thing – keeping the ball effortlessly and probing, slowly.
Japan can’t get their foot on the ball at the moment, really struggling. They’re shaken.
Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:16
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain (Morata 11’)
11 mins: Spain have the breakthrough!
It’s Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross which is inch-perfect for Alvaro Morata to head home from close range – no chance for Gonda!
Lovely build-up from Spain, a perfect start!
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:11
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-0 Spain
9 mins: Few chances early on here!
Balde’s cross is straight on Morata’s head but it’s straight at Japan keeper Gonda!
Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:09
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-0 Spain
8 mins: Nightmare few minutes for Busquets!
He gives the ball away just outside his own penalty area but Japan can’t take full advantage, as Junya Ito shoots from a narrow angle into the side-netting!
Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:08
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-0 Spain
7 mins: First look at Inaki Williams on the right-hand side – his cross is only half-cleared to captain Sergio Busquets on the edge of the box, but his left-foot shot is high and wide!
Unsurprisingly, he never looked like scoring!
Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:07
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-0 Spain
5 mins: As you might suspect, Spain dominant with the ball early on – with Japan setting up with a back-five.
Yet the Japanese have the first quick attack, but it’s quickly cleared by Spain’s Pau Torres.
Kieran Jackson1 December 2022 19:05