Takuma Asano downs Germany as Tomiyasu helps comeback

Japan went into half-time of their game against Germany one-nil down and with no Takehiro Tomiyasu on the pitch.

Their manager reached for his subs, called on the Arsenal man and, well, now the rest is World Cup history.

Of course Tomiyasu didn’t get on the score sheet. That was left to Ritsu Doan and former Arsenal forward, Takuma Asano.

Asano arrived at Arsenal in 2016 for the sum of £3.5m but was never able to play for the first team as he was unable to get a work permit.

Arsenal received just £1m, paid in instalments over three years, when they sold him to Partizan Belgrade in 2019.

He now plays in Germany for VfL Bochum where he’s scored just one goal this season in seven games.

Takuma Asano explains his goal celebration

As for Tomiyasu, he completed 90% of his passes, created a chance, made two clearances, three recoveries, and didn’t commit a single foul.

Interesting stat via Opta – Japan have won a World Cup game while having the second-lowest possession figure in history (26.2%) The record? South Korea’s 26% possession against Germany in 2018.

Next up for Germany is what many said would be the group decider – Spain.

Takuma Asano finally leaves Arsenal