German preliminary round rival Japan is not in World Cup form yet. Goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt saved the Japanese playing with several Bundesliga professionals from defeat in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Düsseldorf on Tuesday (September 27, 2022).

In the 83rd minute, a keeper for Belgian football club VV St. Truiden saved a penalty kick from Fenerbahçe Istanbul substitute Ener Valencia. Born in the United States, Schmidt also saved Japan from falling behind on several other occasions.

Five Bundesliga pros on the pitch for Japan

Five professionals employed in Germany were used in Ao Tanaka from Second Division teams Fortuna Düsseldorf, Hiroko Ito, Wataru Ando (both VfB Stuttgart), Ritsu Don (SC Freiburg) and Daiichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt). It was only after the arrival of Andos and Kamadas that the Japanese became a little more dangerous in the second half. Earlier on Friday, Japan also registered a 2-0 win against the United States in Düsseldorf.

However, Ecuador dominated the game and is scheduled to play the opening match of the World Cup against the host nation in Qatar on 20 November. Just two weeks ago, the FIFA Appeals Committee rejected the appeals of the Chilean and Peruvian football associations. He complained that full-back Byron Castillo was used in a World Cup qualifier with false identity cards. But this was rejected. Castillo of Mexican club León also played as a right-back.

last test against canada

Japan, who are Germany’s first World Cup rival in the preliminary round on 23 November, will play their final World Cup friendly against Canada on 17 November. Ecuador currently has no further tests scheduled in just two months before the start of the World Cup.

Costa Rica rolls back

On 1 December, Germany’s last group opponents Costa Rica defeated Uzbekistan with two late goals. In the friendly match in South Korea, the Uzbeks took the lead with a goal from Eldor Shomurodov (25th minute). Thanks to goals from Anthony Hernandez and Kendall Waston in the second and fourth minutes of extra time, the World Cup participants still won.

Four days ago, Costa Rica drew 2-2 with South Korea.

Source: sportschau.de