FIFA World Cup 2022, Day 4: Japan upset Germany, Belgium register narrow win over Canada, Spain thrash Costa Rica

The 22^nd edition of the FIFA World Cup is started and the fans have already seen some close encounters. On the first day, the hosts Qatar clashed with Ecuador and suffered a loss of 2-0. From Day 2, England beat Iran by 6-2 and started their campaign with a tremendous win. However, on Day 3, we got to see the first and unexpected upset of the major tournament as Saudi Arabia beat Argentina by 2-1.

After the upset of Argentina’s defeat against Saudi Arabia, the FIFA World action shifted on Day 4 as teams from Group E and F were seen clashing. Day 4 was also the day for Asians as Japan thrashed Germany by 2-1.

There were four matches played on Day 4.

Croatia vs Morocco (0-0)

The 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up Croatia clashed with Morocco in a Group F encounter on Wednesday. The Luka Modrić-led team held possession for a significant part of the match, but couldn’t execute anything. Croatian striker Nikola Vlasic’s effort was denied by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the first half of the match.

In the second half, Morocco looked more electric than Croatia. Moroccan striker Noussair Mazraoui targeted the goal post with a header but the Croatian goalkeeper blocked it with his head and the match ended up in a stalemate.

Germany vs Japan (1-2)

Four times FIFA World Cup champions Germany played against Japan in the Group E opener and witnessed the second upset of this World Cup. However, Germany took the lead in the first half with a penalty in the 33rd minute, Ilkay Gundogan took the strike and scored the first goal for Germany.

 But in the second half, Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano left the Germans scratching their heads as Japan secured a 2-1 win over Germany and took the no.2 spot in the group.

Spain vs Costa Rica (7-0)

The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner Spain were seen thrashing Costa Rica in a Group E encounter at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday. The Spanish players showed their football skills and announced that they are here to win as they beat Costa Rica by 7-0.

Dani Olmo scored the first goal for Spain followed by Marco Asensio and Ferran Torres's goals in the first half. Torres completed his brace in the second half and took Spain ahead with 4-0. Gavi, Alvaro Morata, and Carlos Soler sealed the victory by 7-0.

Belgium vs Canada (1-0)

The last match of day 4 was again a Group F clash as Belgium played against Canada. The match was a thriller as both teams showed their ability and kept the game balanced. Canada are back in the World Cup after 36 years and were very energetic in the game and could’ve gotten the early lead in the game but they failed.

Belgium’s Michy Batshuayi scored the only goal of the match in the first half which helped Belgium to win the game against the Canadians.