Fifa World Cup: Results and reactions from day eleven
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Spain are looking to clinch top spot in Group E at the 2022 World Cup with a win against Japan this evening.
Luis Enrique’s side were hit back by Germany last time out, but are still poised to finish first if they can beat Japan, who were stunned by Costa Rica and must win here to stand a chance of making the last 16.
The 2010 champions need a point to guarantee their qualification for the knockout-phase, while half-an-eye will be on the other match in Group E between Costa Rica and Germany.
“We have to think that we are at the top of the so-called Group of Death and we have to stay positive,” Spain boss Luis Enrique said ahead of the match.
Follow all the action with our live blog below
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
45 mins: That’s now the whole back three booked for Japan now - Maya Yoshida gets yellow as he closes in behind Morata.
Wrong decision, barely touches him. Tight-rope for Japan’s backline now...
One minute of added time here.
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
43 mins: Another booking for Japan - this one more justified as Shogo Taniguchi clatters into Gavi very late.
Japan needing half-time...
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
39 mins: Something of a harsh yellow card for Japan defender Kou Itakura, as he just catches Pedri.
He’ll miss the last-16 game - if Japan get there.
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
35 mins: Nervy moment for Spain keeper Unai Simon as he’s closed down by Maeda, but he JUST about gets his pass away to Azpilicueta on the right.
That was a close run thing!
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
30 mins: Spain just supreme at keeping the ball at the moment - it almost mirrors a training session does this match so far.
That being said, for all of Spain’s domination, it’s still only 1-0. Japan only need a moment...
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
25 mins: Great block from Japan defender Kou Itakura to block Dani Olmo squeezing the ball in at the near post!
Japan just need to keep Spain within arm’s length right now...
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
23 mins: Death by a hundred passes? Something like that.
Spain just toying a little bit with Japan here. Gavi sets up Morata in behind but his shot is straight at Gonda.
Meanwhile, here’s Morata’s goal!
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain
17 mins: Spain are doing their thing - keeping the ball effortlessly and probing, slowly.
Japan can’t get their foot on the ball at the moment, really struggling. They’re shaken.
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-1 Spain (Morata 11’)
11 mins: Spain have the breakthrough!
It’s Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross which is inch-perfect for Alvaro Morata to head home from close range - no chance for Gonda!
Lovely build-up from Spain, a perfect start!
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-0 Spain
9 mins: Few chances early on here!
Balde’s cross is straight on Morata’s head but it’s straight at Japan keeper Gonda!