Germany, the host of the 2024 UEFA European Championship, suffered a harsh defeat on home soil, losing 4-1 to Japan in a friendly match on Saturday. This loss deepens the crisis as it marks the third consecutive defeat less than nine months before the continental tournament. The four-time world champions, who were eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup after another loss to Japan, have managed only four wins in their last 17 international matches, putting coach Hans Flick's future in jeopardy. They will face World Cup runners-up France next Tuesday.
Germany's new captain Ilkay Gündogan stated, "We must be honest and admit that Japan was better; they exploited spaces to score goals, they were superior." He added, "We made too many individual mistakes; we must acknowledge that we are not at the same level as other teams. It's hard to accept, but that's the reality now. We have to accept that we currently lack quality; maybe we thought we were better than our current level."
Despite a strong start, Germany did not play with a clear strategy, lacking confidence and energy and committing many mistakes that allowed their rivals to dominate the match amid the fans' jeers.
Japan capitalized on their first real chance when Junya Ito silenced Germany's supporters in the 11th minute by converting a low cross into the net. The hosts quickly equalized through Leroy Sané's left foot after a collective move in the 19th minute. However, their joy was short-lived as Japan regained the lead three minutes later through striker Ayase Ueda following another breakthrough from the right.
Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen prevented a third goal when Ueda capitalized on a defensive error shortly after. Japan had two rapid opportunities within two minutes after the break, but ter Stegen kept Germany in the game by saving a close-range shot from Takuma Asano and then thwarting Kaoru Mitoma's attempt during a rebound.
Asano made amends in the 90th minute to confirm Japan's second consecutive victory over Germany, adding a fourth goal from a header by Ao Tanaka in stoppage time.
