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 (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!
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-0 Spain
8 mins: Nightmare few minutes for Busquets!
He gives the ball away just outside his own penalty area but Japan can’t take full advantage, as Junya Ito shoots from a narrow angle into the side-netting!
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-0 Spain
7 mins: First look at Inaki Williams on the right-hand side - his cross is only half-cleared to captain Sergio Busquets on the edge of the box, but his left-foot shot is high and wide!
Unsurprisingly, he never looked like scoring!
World Cup 2022: Japan 0-0 Spain
5 mins: As you might suspect, Spain dominant with the ball early on - with Japan setting up with a back-five.
Yet the Japanese have the first quick attack, but it’s quickly cleared by Spain’s Pau Torres.
World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain
KICK-OFF: We’re underway at the Khalifa International Stadium!
Japan in blue shirts and white shorts, with Spain in their usual all-red.
World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain - a reminder of the starting XIs!
Japan: Shuichi Gonda, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Yuto Nagatomo, Takefusa Kubo, Hidemasa Morita, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Ao Tanaka, Maya Yoshida, Daizen Maeda
Spain: Unai Simon, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pau Torres, Sergio Busquets, Alvaro Morata, Gavi, Nico Williams, Alejandro Balde, Rodri, Dani Olmo, Pedri
World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain
The players are out at the Khalifa International Stadium for this crucial Group E decider!
Time for the national anthems!
(Getty Images)
World Cup 2022: Costa Rica vs Germany
If you want to follow the action from Costa Rica vs Germany - a game the Germans have to win to progress - you can with our live blog below:
Germany must defeat Costa Rica or else they will be eliminated from the World Cup
World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain
The players are back in from their warm-ups - just 10 minutes away from kick-off at the Khalifa International Stadium!
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!
(Getty Images)
