Four-time winners Germany fell to a shock defeat in their opening World Cup game, as Japan came back to win.
Germany dominated a frenetic match but failed to take advantage of their pressure before Japan caused the stadium to erupt into a mix of celebration and surprise.
Substitute Takuma Asano squeezed in a thumping strike from a tight angle to make it 2-1 to Japan and run over to the photographers in the corner of the stadium.
There was a collective pause in the arena as the ball came down from the roof of the net, before the fans realized it was a goal.
Germany had taken the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, but Japan came back to tie the game in the 75th minute.
Junya Ito's goal came after a string of stunning saves at each end, the first of which was by Germany's Neuer.
Germany missed several chances to extend their lead when the score was nil.
They face Spain on Sunday and Costa Rica on the last day of the group stage.
Germany's players put their hands over their mouths before the start of the game and a German government minister wore a OneLove flag.
The German football federation is looking into whether it is legal for Fifa to threaten players with sanction if they wear the One Love armband.
The DFB later tweeted that human rights are "non-negotiable" and "we stand by our position".
The misery of Germany's early exit from the World Cup in Russia could not be forgotten as Hansi Flick's side gave up a goal at the end of the game.
Their supporters came in hopes that their young stars would lead them into a new era.
Despite Germany controlling large spells, Japan was relentless in energy and wouldn't give in.
The Japan supporters at the opposite end of the goal were worried as Germany's Leon Goretzka struck wide and goalkeeper Neuer came up for two corners to try to steal a point.
The players ran on to the pitch to celebrate after Japan held on to win the game.
They had caused problems for Germany in the first half when Daizen Maeda had a goal ruled out for being in an ineligible position.
In the first half, Gundogan and Antonio Rudiger both missed the target, as well as Joshua Kimmich, who was denied twice.
They were made to pay for their missed chances after Gundogan's penalty gave Germany a deserved lead, but they were also made to pay for their missed opportunities.
Musiala beat four players in the box only to blast an effort over the bar early in the second half, before Goretzka missed the target.
Get the latest results and goal notifications for any team at the Fifa World Cup by downloading the BBC Sport app: Apple - Android - Amazon
You can get a daily dose of the World Cup on the radio.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
