Japan Beats Spain 2–1 as Both Teams Advance at World Cup

Japan's Kaoru Mitoma passes the ball to teammate Ao Tanaka who score the second goal against Spain during a World Cup group E soccer match at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Dec. 1, 2022. Eugene Hoshiko/AP Photo

DOHA, Qatar—Same stadium. Same result. Similar shocking victory for Japan at the World Cup.

After beating Germany in the team’s opener, Japan worked its way into the round of 16 of the World Cup on Thursday, Dec. 1, by defeating Spain 2–1, the same score as last week.