In a major upset, Japan humiliated Euro 2024 host Germany 4-1 in a friendly international on Saturday.
The defeat piles the pressure on struggling Germany coach Hansi Flick, who has now won just one of his last five games.
Japan took the lead in the 11th minute through Junya Ito, who was played through by Yukinari Sugawara after Schlotterbeck lost his marker.
Germany equalized through Leroy Sane in the 22nd minute, but Japan restored their lead just five minutes later through Ayase Ueda.
The home side continued to dominate possession in the second half, but they were unable to break down a dogged Japanese defense.
Japan then scored two late goals through Takuma Asano and Ao Tanaka to seal a stunning victory.
The defeat is a major blow for Germany, who are now nine months out from hosting the European Championships.
Flick has come under increasing pressure in recent months, and this result will only add to the speculation about his future.
Hansi Flick admits Japan was better thank Germany after 4-1 defeat
In a major upset, Japan humiliated Euro 2024 hosts Germany 4-1 in a friendly international on Saturday.
The defeat piles the pressure on struggling Germany coach Hansi Flick, who has now won just one of his last five games.
“We and the coaching staff are trying everything,” said Flick, “I think we are doing well and I am the right coach.”
Expanding on the performance against Japan, he added “We are really disappointed. Japan is a good team. We don’t have the tools right now to beat a defence like that. We in German football have to wake up. Now we have to shake ourselves up and do better against France”
Japan took the lead in the 11th minute through Junya Ito, who was played through by Yukinari Sugawara after Schlotterbeck lost his marker.
Germany equalized through Leroy Sane in the 22nd minute, but Japan restored their lead just five minutes later through Ayase Ueda.
The home side continued to dominate possession in the second half, but they were unable to break down a dogged Japanese defense.
Japan then scored two late goals through Takuma Asano and Ao Tanaka to seal a stunning victory.
The defeat is a major blow for Germany, who are now nine months out from hosting the European Championships.
Flick has come under increasing pressure in recent months, and this result will only add to the speculation about his future.
