Japan beat Spain 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium to finish top of Group E. It was one of the most chaotic nights of football in recent history, with each time placing in the qualifying positions at one point. 

At half-time, it seemed almost certain that Spain and Germany would qualify for the knockout stages, with both sides leading 1-0. However, in a matter of minutes, Japan flipped the game with two goals in quick succession. 

Japan's second goal left the German bench furious after it appeared to leave the pitch in the build-up, however, under later inspection, the ball stayed in play by a matter of millimetres.

The result means Japan finished top of the group, and will now face Croatia in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Spain will face Morocco for a place in the quarter-finals. 

But what did we learn from a chaotic evening at the Khalifa International Stadium?

  • Doan's instant impact

Japan were nowhere to be seen at half-time. Outclassed across the pitch, had no threat in the final third, and were defensively weak. It seemed all but guaranteed that they would be crashing out of the World Cup.

But up stepped Ritsu Doan. The Freiburg attacker was subbed on in the 46th minute, and he made a sensational impact. The winger scored a powerful shot to level the scores in the 48th minute before he helped create Ao Tanaka's shock winner. 

The 24-year-old drove down the right flank into the box before firing a low cross into the box. Kaoru Mitoma latched onto the cross before laying it off to Taneka who tapped it in. Question marks remain over the legitimacy of this goal, with the ball narrowly staying in play in the build-up. 

Nonetheless, Doan provided a consistent threat for Japan throughout the second half. With his country defending for their lives against the footballing giant, he provided much-needed rest for the defenders due to his impact on the counter-attack. 

  • Standing firm against the Spaniards

There were still 40 minutes remaining after Japan's shock second goal, and it seemed unlikely that their lead would hold. After Spain achieved 0.81 expected goals in the first half, it seemed likely that sustained pressure would eventually continue.

However, Japan's overall second-half performance was a stark contrast to the opening 45. Defensively, they were more compact, which prevented Spain from mustering any meaningful chances. Despite having over 82% possession across the match, the Spaniards were unable to break down a resilient Japanese side.

A key reason for this was the introduction of Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Arsenal defender has been nursing a hamstring injury all tournament, but he was fit enough to play a part against Spain. The 24-year-old were subbed on in the 68th minute, and immediately improved Japan's defensive shape. 

The stats from his performance don't seem particularly inspiring as he only made two recoveries. But it's important to be able to watch a match and see the impact a player makes without stats. It was a superb performance from the Arsenal defender, who helped secure a famous victory for his country.

  • Qualifying for the knockouts... just!

After beating Costa Rica 7-0 in the opening match, it seemed almost guaranteed that Spain would qualify for the round of 16. Even after a 1-1 draw to Germany, it seemed incredibly likely that La Piel de Toro would be extending their stay in Qatar.

However, worries began to sink in once Japan took a 2-1 lead at the Khalifa International Stadium. It meant that they relied on other results to go their way to qualify. At one point, Spain were set to be knocked out by Costa Rica after the North American side took a 2-1 lead against Germany, but that possibility was quickly ended. 

The European giants eventually qualified in second place, but the Spaniards will be concerned by their recent performances. In previous tournaments, the most successful teams have gained momentum throughout their journeys. However, Spain seems to be travelling on the opposite path.

  • Failing to produce 

Spain have always struggled with finishing off chances throughout its illustrious history. They've produced the likes of Carlos Puyol at the back and Xavi in midfield, but they have usually struggled to produce the very best attackers, especially in recent years.

That shone through against Japan as the Spaniards failed to break down a formidable defence. They achieved 0.49 fewer expected goals in the second half and had just five shots on target throughout the match. Alvaro Morata scored his third World Cup goal of the tournament, but he still fails to offer the all-around play required of him.

The likes of Harry Kane and Karim Benzema can create their own chances, but it seems Morata is sometimes reliant on Pedri and Gavi, which could cause major issues in the later stages of the tournament. Spain need to try and take the positives from a tough group stage, but they will know they must improve if they want to lift the World Cup for the first time in twelve years.