| Host nation: Qatar Dates: 20 November-18 December Coverage: Live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. Day-by-day TV listings - Full coverage details |
The biggest lesson learned so far at the World Cup is that if you write Japan off you'll be in big trouble.
The Blue Samurai have emerged as the comeback kings of Qatar, and their inspired substitution have already claimed two huge victims.
When Japan beat Germany in their first game of the tournament and then lost to Costa Rica, it felt like a freak result, leaving them as outsiders to reach the last 16.
The scene of that stunning opening victory, Hajime Moriyasu's side staged a brilliant repeat performance against Spain to win Group E.
They became the third team in World Cup history to lose at half-time and come back to win two games at the same tournament, after Brazil in 1938 and West Germany in 1970.
Japan's substitute players scored two goals against Germany and they played an important role here as well.
Karen Bardsley said that the changes were effective when it counted. They were able to take advantage of the opportunities they had.
Certainly, they did. Less than three minutes had elapsed since he came on at the start of the second half, when he let fly from the edge of the box, and he had equalized.
Just 142 seconds later, Karou Mitoma made his presence felt when he slid to hook Doan's low cross back across goal for Ao Tanaka to score.
Moriyasu said there is great technology for big football. It would have been a goal if it weren't out.
When the VAR decision was announced, the Spain supporters were less than impressed, but they wouldn't be the only ones staring at the big screens.
It was difficult to keep up with who was going through and who was going out when the updated group table was flashed up every time there was a goal.
Japan's fans were spared much of the drama, despite the fact that another Spain goal could have jeopardized their progress.
The way they reset into their defensive shape for the next 45 or so minutes, barely allowing the Spanish a sniff, was even more impressive.
Bardsley said that Japan has been outstanding.
It's important that you understand your game plan and execute it as best as you can.
They have been through to the knockout rounds thanks to the methodology and approach.
The manner in which they lost to Costa Rica was odd, but they put the ball in the back of the net when it counted.
Thousands of Japanese fans were present but they can't help but dream of more daring feats to come.
Their side are into the last 16 of the World Cup for a fourth time but they have never gone further.
He thanked the people of Japan for supporting him.
We made it through this difficult match thanks to them. I am happy I was able to deliver the victory to everyone and the new goal is the last eight.
We want to set a new record of the quarter-finals or better because the players are showing us a different view of being able to fight on the world stage.
Even if they go behind against Croatia, they will still fight.
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