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Advance reputations were unpredictably overturned. And powerhouse teams have turned out to be more diverse than ever.
Japan must reach the quarterfinals at some stage if their ultimate aim of winning the World Cup by 2050 is to be realized. It did not happen in Qatar, but with the shock wins over Germany and Spain, who both have heavily influenced the development of the sport in Japan, the county has shown that the pupil has now learned enough to beat its teachers.
Eight of Japan's 23 outfield players ply their trade in the Bundesliga, yet the Samurai Blue are in position to knock Germany out of the World Cup.
Eight of Japan's World Cup squad play their club football in Germany, including Wednesday's goalscorers Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano. The win was the latest twist in the intertwined worlds of German and Japanese football.
Germany's opening World Cup game against Japan will set the tone for the rest of the tournament — both for the team and the fans who may or may not be watching at home.