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Japan gets 2 late goals to upset Germany 2-1 at World Cup

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Another World Cup day, another World Cup shock after Japan’s substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano scored late goals Wednesday to help Japan come from behind and upset Germany 2-1.

Both Doan and Asano play for German clubs.

“I believe it’s a historic moment, a historic victory. If I think about the development of Japanese soccer, thinking of players, for them this was a big surprise,” said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, who had five Germany-based players in his starting lineup and three, including the scorers, on the bench.

“They’re fighting in a very strong, tough, prestigious league. They’ve been building up their strength. In that context we believe that those divisions (Bundesliga and second division) have been contributing to the development of Japanese players,” Moriyasu said. “I’m very grateful for that.”

Ilkay Gündogan had given four-time champion Germany the lead with a first-half penalty. But Doan, who plays for Freiburg, pounced on a rebound to equalize in the 76th minute after Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer blocked a shot from Takumi Minamino, Associated Press reported.

Then Asano, who plays for Bochum, sprinted clear of Nico Schlotterbeck and beat Neuer from a narrow angle in the 83rd minute.

It was the first competitive meeting between the two nations. They played two friendlies in the past, with Germany winning 3-0 in 2004 before a 2-2 draw in 2006.

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Germany outplayed Japan for much of Wednesday’s match and had 24 attempts on goal compared to Japan’s 11. The Japanese had only 24% possession.

“It’s brutally disappointing, not only for the players, but also the coaching team,” Germany coach Hansi Flick said. “We deserved to go in front. It was more than deserved. Then you have to say that Japan gave us a lesson in efficiency.”

The match was played a day after Argentina’s 2-1 upset loss to Saudi Arabia.

Before their game, Germany’s players covered their mouths during the team photo to protest against FIFA following its decision to stop plans to wear armbands that were seen as protesting discrimination in host nation Qatar.

Nancy Faeser, Germany’s sports minister, attended the match at the Khalifa International Stadium and was sitting beside FIFA president Gianni Infantino while wearing the same “One Love” armband that FIFA had outlawed with its threats of consequences.

It was only the third time Germany had lost its tournament-opening game after defeats against Algeria in 1982 and Mexico in 2018. In the other World Cup openers for Germany, the team had won 13 matches and drawn four.

Japan will next play Costa Rica on Sunday, while Germany will face Spain. The Spanish routed Costa Rica 7-0 in the other Group E match.

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13 mountaineers in Balkh summit Alborz at 1,650 meters

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The Balkh Mountaineering Federation announced that 13 members of the Alborz Central team, led by Reza Rezaei, the federation’s Technical and Professional Deputy, with coordination from the Olympic and Physical Education Directorate and the provincial Mountaineering Federation, successfully climbed Mount Alborz during their first training program.

The purpose of this spring training and ascent was to strengthen the mountaineers both physically and mentally, as well as to promote the culture of mountaineering in Balkh.

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Myanmar trump Afghanistan 2-1 in Asian Cup Qualifier

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The Afghanistan national football team lost 2–1 to Myanmar in the Asian Cup qualifiers in Yangon on Thursday afternoon.

The only goal for Afghanistan was scored by Omid Popalzay.

Afghanistan’s national team is scheduled to play its final match of the competition on March 31 against Syria in Saudi Arabia.

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Afghanistan to face Myanmar in crucial AFC clash

Afghanistan enters the fixture with renewed focus, aiming to capitalize on recent improvements in squad cohesion and tactical discipline.

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Afghanistan national football team take on Myanmar national football team today, Thursday March 26, in a key AFC competition match, with kickoff scheduled for 3pm local time.

The match, set to be broadcast exclusively on Ariana Television in Afghanistan, is seen as an important test for Afghanistan as they look to build momentum and strengthen their standing in regional competition.

Afghanistan enters the fixture with renewed focus, aiming to capitalize on recent improvements in squad cohesion and tactical discipline.

The team will be hoping to deliver a strong performance in front of fans watching across the country, with particular emphasis on defensive organization and quick transitions in attack.

Myanmar, meanwhile, arrive determined to challenge their opponents and secure valuable points. Known for their pace and structured play, they are expected to provide a competitive contest and test Afghanistan’s resilience throughout the match.

Today’s encounter is more than just a fixture—it represents an opportunity for both sides to assert themselves on the continental stage. For Afghanistan, a positive result would not only boost confidence but also reinforce their ambitions in AFC competition.

With anticipation building, all eyes will be on the pitch as the two sides battle for supremacy in what promises to be an engaging and closely fought contest.

Today’s match between Afghanistan national football team and Myanmar national football team is part of the qualification campaign for the AFC Asian Cup, one of Asia’s premier international football competitions.

Crucial opportunities

The fixture plays a key role in determining which teams advance to the next stage of the qualifiers and ultimately secure a place in the final tournament. For emerging football nations like Afghanistan and Myanmar, these matches are crucial opportunities to compete at a higher level and gain continental recognition.

Afghanistan are aiming to strengthen their position in the group standings, with every point vital in a tightly contested qualification race. A win today would significantly boost their chances of progressing, while also improving their FIFA ranking and regional standing.

For Myanmar, the match carries similar importance, as they look to stay competitive in the group and keep their qualification hopes alive.

With so much riding on the outcome, today’s encounter is not just another game—it is a pivotal step on the road to the AFC Asian Cup.

Fans can meanwhile tune in to Ariana Television from 2.30pm for the preview show. Kickoff is expected to take place at 3pm.

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