Japan 2-1 Spain LIVE! World Cup 2022 result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today

Japan vs Spain - LIVE!

Japan staged their second stunning turnaround of the World Cup when they beat 2010 champions Spain 2-1 with two quick-fire goals and advanced to the last-16 along with their beaten opponents.

Going into the halftime break 1-0 down and on course for an early World Cup exit, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu reorganised his side to give them more attacking bite and within six minutes the Samurai Blue were ahead. Ritsu Doan, one of the substitutes, hammered in a shot from the edge of the box in the 48th minute that Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon - whose poor clearance had created the danger - could not keep out.

Three minutes later, Ao Tanaka scored from close range after the other halftime sub Kaoru Mitoma cut the ball back from the byline. The VAR system took several minutes to confirm the ball had not gone out before Mitoma’s touch, sparking wild celebrations by Japan and their fans when the verdict came in. Japan will face Croatia in the last 16 while Spain will meet Morocco.

Japan vs Spain latest news

• GOAL! Japan turn it around through Tanaka

• GOAL! Substitute Doan makes an immediate impact and levels!

• HALF TIME! Japan 0-1 Spain

• GOAL! Morata heads Spain in front

Japan 2 - 1 Spain

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22:15 , Matt Verri

Japan produced an extraordinary turnaround against Spain to storm into the World Cup knockout rounds and top Group E, sending Germany home on another wild night of drama in Qatar.

Having been passed into submission by Spain in the first half, Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka both struck in quick succession almost immediately after action resumed to take Japan through with another famous victory.

Spain were given an almighty scare when Costa Rica came from behind to lead Germany, a result that would have sent Luis Enrique’s side out as well, but late goals at Al Bayt Stadium ensured that they held on to second spot.

Japan’s prize for topping the group is a meeting with 2018 finalists Croatia, while Spain encounter near neighbours Morocco.

Read the full story here

Ignorance is bliss

21:51 , Matt Verri

Spain were briefly heading out of the World Cup, after Costa Rica took the lead against Germany. Not that their boss knew...

“We were out? I didn’t know,” Enrique said after the match.

“If I’d realised, I’d probably have had a heart attack.”

Souness not a happy man!

21:39 , Matt Verri

Japan do it again

21:32 , Matt Verri

Here’s a stat for you from Opta.

Since 1966, when detailed records of World Cup matches began, only twice has a team lost a match having attempted more than 700 passes in the game.

The first was Germany against Japan earlier in this tournament, the second was Spain against Japan tonight!

This side Japanese side don’t need much of the ball!

That’s how close it was...

21:23 , Matt Verri

Night to remember!

21:19 , Matt Verri

So Japan are into the last-16 of a World Cup for the fourth time. That’s the furthest they’ve made it.

It’s Croatia next up for a place in the quarter-finals as they look to go deeper in the tournament than ever before.

F/T: Japan 2-1 Spain

21:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here’s Malik Ouzia’s report from Qatar on a German side left disappointed despite victory:

Germany OUT of World Cup after group-stage exit despite Costa Rica win

F/T: Japan 2-1 Spain

21:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

ITV are reporting that the goalline pictures will have picked up if the ball had gone out of play in the build up to that Japan winner, but seem confused by the lack of conclusive footage. The video assistant referees were content it didn’t go out, and the goal stood.

Let the inquest begin for Germany - the full time whistle has blown at Al Bayt Stadium and their exit is confirmed despite a 4-2 win.

F/T: Japan 2-1 Spain

20:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And it is that goal that knocks Germany out.

Still, you can’t take away from the effort shown by the Japan players to turn that around in the second half. Spain were utterly, utterly supreme in the first half - but those two quick goals transformed the encounter and they’ve taken Hajime Moriyasu’s side into the knockout rounds.

F/T: Japan 2-1 Spain

20:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Extraordinary. Germany are out of the World Cup at the group stage for the second World Cup in a row!

The Spanish players look dejected as the full time whistle blows. They don’t seem to know, but they are through - they will face Morocco in the last 16, while Japan top Group E and will face Croatia.

FULL TIME! JAPAN 2-1 SPAIN

20:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan 2-1 Spain, 90 + 5 minutes

20:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two minutes left to tick by. Spain are in constant possession but the openings aren’t appearing. Marco Asensio whips in another futile cross.

Dani Olmo shoots - equally aimless!

Japan 2-1 Spain, 90 + 4 minutes

20:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan’s substitutes are all on the feet, urging, nay, willing their team home.

So far it looks good for Japan. Ferran Torres’ cross is way to high. Jordi Alba retrieves it and puts another into the mixer...cleared by Maya Yoshida.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 90 + 2 minutes

20:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Seven added minutes to be played. Pedri flicks for Ansu Fati, but errantly.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 90 minutes

20:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two vital saves! Shuichi Gonda hasn’t, actually, had too many saves to make but twice denies Spain, collecting a weak effort from Dani Olmo to prevent any further building of pressure.

4-2 to Germany. They will win, but as things stand it counts for nought.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 87 minutes

20:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan make their final substitution: Wataru Endo replaces Ao Tanaka, whose goal is knocking Germany out if things remain as they are.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 86 minutes

20:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another for Kai Havertz and Germany - 3-2 there. That leaves Spain through in second on goal difference. Japan still top the group but now can’t afford to concede.

It’s tense...

Japan 2-1 Spain, 84 minutes

20:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Spain are starting to look vulnerable on the counter attack. Twice Japan nearly get in, but Junya Ito doesn’t have the speed to out-run Dani Carvajal.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 81 minutes

20:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Goal kick! A lovely exchange between Marco Asensio and Ansu Fati sends the young Barcelona forward spinning in behind, but he can’t return his cross to Asensio, and the ball takes a flick off Fati before travelling behind.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 79 minutes

20:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This has been brilliant defensively from Japan in the second half. All ten outfield players are packing behind the ball at times, forcing Dani Olmo to launch a speculator, which penetrates not even the first wall of the Japanese defensive rampart.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 77 minutes

20:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is now more than half an hour since Spain last attempted a shot on goal. Japan holding firm.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 75 minutes

20:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Strong defending from Takehiro Tomiyasu! Jordi Alba turns and flails angry arms at the referee but the Arsenal defender’s challenge is fair, and the ball trickles harmlessly behind for a goal keeper.

Up in the stands, Andres Iniesta is watching the Germany game on his phone, sharing nervous glances with those around him.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 74 minutes

20:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

About that...Kai Havertz equalises for Germany.

Spain won’t know, of course, but there’s a surprising lack of desperation out there. They still trail in the contest. Ferran Torres can’t find a teammate with a cross.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 72 minutes

20:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

COSTA RICA LEAD GERMANY!

A long VAR review but the goal is given - Germany AND Spain are currently exiting the World Cup at the group stage!

Japan 2-1 Spain, 71 minutes

20:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What a chance! Takuma Asano could seal it, latching on to a swept pass in behind the defence after the impressive Kaoru Mitoma had surged brilliantly down the left, but the replacement striker can’t direct his sliding effort on target.

Hang on - we’ve news from elsewhere...

Japan 2-1 Spain, 68 minutes

20:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two more Barca boys enter the fray for Spain, replacing club teammates Alejandro Balde and Gavi - enter Ansu Fati and Jordi Alba.

A change for Japan, too - Takehiro Tomiyasu isn’t fully fit but is on for Daichi Kamada.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 66 minutes

20:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another Costa Rica goal would send both Spain and Germany out, though, which really would be quite fun.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 65 minutes

20:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Spain, of course, don’t need a goal, particularly with Germany level. And Luis Enrique’s side don’t much look like finding one - it’s been all Japan since the interval.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 61 minutes

20:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And what do you know - Costa Rica are level against Germany!

Japan make a third change. Takuma Asano, match winner against the Germans, replaces Daizen Maeda.

Japan 2-1 Spain, 58 minutes

20:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Blimey. Get your head around that. So, as things stand it will be Japan who top the group, with Spain through in second barring an almighty thrashing of Costa Rica by Germany.

GOAL! JAPAN 2-1 Spain (Ao Tanaka, 52 minutes)

20:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s given!

Can you believe it? Football, eh - Spain were totally in control throughout that first half but they have been up-ended in five early second-half minutes.

It looked like the ball had run out of play, but Kaoru Mitoma desperately hauled it back in with an extended left leg. Ao Tanaka was there to pounce from close range.

Spain aren’t happy - there was one replay that appeared to show the ball clearly out of play, but the video assistant rules that it did not fully cross the line.

Japan 1-1 Spain, 53 minutes

20:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And now do they lead? The ball is in the net again and the Japan players wheel away in celebration, but the whistle goes to halt them.

Hang on, this will be checked - has the ball gone out of play?...

GOAL! JAPAN 1-1 Spain (Ritsu Doan, 49 minutes)

20:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The changes pay immediate dividends - Japan are level!

Unai Simon hasn’t covered himself in glory here. The Spain goalkeeper is loose in possession, not for the first time this evening, and plays a rather formless pass out to the left.

Ritsu Doan picks it up, cuts infield and unfurls a fierce strike from 25 yards. Simon gets both gloves to it, but can only palm into the back of the net.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 46 minutes

20:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Half time changes for both teams. Japan have brought on Ritsu Doan and Kaoru Mitoma for Takefusa Kubo and Yuto Nagatomo, while Spain have swapped right backs - enter Dani Carvajal in the place of Cesar Azpilicueta.

Second half begins

20:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Back underway.

H/T: Japan 0-1 Spain

19:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

In fact, both of Spain’s centre halves (Rodri and Pau Torres) exceeded the individual men’s World Cup record for passes by a player in a first half.

H/T: Japan 0-1 Spain

19:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Spain have completed 530 passes to Japan’s 89 so far. It really has been a masterclass of possession football.

H/T: Japan 0-1 Spain

19:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It also remains 1-0 in the group’s other game, with Germany enjoying a similar level of supremacy over Costa Rica.

As things stand, it is the two European sides going through.

H/T: Japan 0-1 Spain

19:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Well that was all, largely, predictable, with Spain in total control at Khalifa International Stadium. Luis Enrique’s side struck early on via the head of Alvaro Morata and squeezed Japan out of the game with pressing and passing thereafter, and are 45 minutes away from topping Group E.

83% of possession for Spain. It’s been pretty one-sided.

HALF TIME! JAPAN 0-1 SPAIN

19:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan 0-1 Spain, 45 + 1 minutes

19:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nico Williams’s shot appears to skew wildly out of play, but there’s a touch on it - corner kick...

Punched sternly by Shuichi Gonda. That’ll do us for the half.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 45 minutes

19:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Maya Yoshida completes the set. All three of Japan’s central defenders have now seen yellow, though the captain’s card is rather harsh - it doesn’t look like Yoshida actually caught Alvaro Morata as he lunged towards the striker in an attempt to get the ball.

Just the one additional minute to be played.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 44 minutes

19:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gavi is caught on the thigh by Taniguchi now, with the Japanese left centre-back booked for a slightly high and late challenge.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 41 minutes

19:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More adventure from Spain, with Alejandro Balde once more showing well. His forward lift for Dani Olmo is pretty and his support for his winger good, too, but Japan are back in enough numbr to force Spain back.

Only temporarily! Olmo is fed the ball in an inside left position and releases a shot, forcing Shogo Taniguchi into a sliding block.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 39 minutes

19:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

For all of Spain’s passing, they aren’t yet making two many forward cuts and thrusts.

Japan have another chance to spring a counter attack, but Ao Tanaka’s touch is heavy and allows Alejandro Balde to muscle in. The young left back cannily shields the ball behind, getting his body the right side of Tanaka.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 36 minutes

19:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And a half chance for Japan - Daichi Kamada fires against Spanish legs after Junya Ito’s surge up the right had been initially repelled. Out for a throw...

...but the ball is soon back at Spanish feet.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 35 miutes

19:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Unai Simon nearly gifts them one! The goalkeeper is initially cool, calm and collected on the ball, but he’s not entirely settled into an armchair, and just loses track of the ball slightly as Japan’s forwards begin to circle him.

Simon somehow ends up rolling the ball with his studs almost out of play, but manages to squirt a pass away to a right back position.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 33 minutes

19:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Shogo Taniguchi follows Gavi all the way deep into the Spanish half and tries to steal the ball from the midfielder, but takes achilles rather than ball with his clip. Japan really are battling to find a way back into the game.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 32 minutes

19:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Spain have had 79% of possession in the first half hour.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 29 minutes

19:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Spain really do look very comfortable. Alejandro Balde injects some speed as he spots some open pasture up the left, but even with his forward options blocked, the full back has the time, space and acumen to turn and find a teammate inside, regenerating the possession.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 26 minutes

19:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slightly loose from Pau Torres, passing to no-one in particular as Japan put some pressure on the centre-half. It matters little - Hidemasa Morita soon miscontrols and Gavi is in with a looting foot to retrieve the ball.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 24 minutes

19:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dani Olmo nearly works a shooting chance after Cesar Azpilicueta had found a neat ball between the the left-side of the Japanese defensive five, but Alvaro Morata was offside as he began his pursuit of his former Chelsea teammate’s pass.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 22 minutes

19:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is turning into a classical Spanish performance. Every time Japan have the ball they are smothered by red shirts, suffocated until the ball pops free. When Spain get it back, it feels like they may have it forever - an effortless display of possession football.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 19 minutes

19:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alvaro Morata’s form must really encourage Luis Enrique. I do think this is a better Spanish side with a proper centre forward in it.

Spain are using the width of the pitch really well so far. Both Nico Williams and Dani Olmo have chalk on their heels, the two wingers hugging the touchline and trying to spread the Japanese defensive five.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 16 minutes

19:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This could be a long night for Japan. They will have been desperate to avoid conceding early - their set up is clearly to defend deep and then look to spring forward on the break, but they’ll have to play slightly more proactively having fallen behind, even if they scored twice late on against Germany.

Japan 0-1 Spain, 14 minutes

19:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan’s hopes of progressing have taken another blow - Germany are ahead against Costa Rica through Serge Gnabry.

As things stand, Spain will top the group with Germany through in second.

GOAL! Japan 0-1 SPAIN (Alvaro Morata, 12 minutes)

19:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Spain lead!

Simple enough for the group leaders. Spain’s initial attempts to work into a crossing position on the right are stymied, but they remain patient, working the ball between Japanese interceptors to wait for space. Cesar Azpilicueta lends his support from the rear and has time to pick his target at the far stick, lifting with a hint of curl perfectly on to Alvaro Morata’s forehead.

Three games, three goals for Alvaro Morata.

Japan 0-0 Spain, 10 minutes

19:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With Rodri and Sergio Busquets both in the side, Spain have two withheld controllers, the pair working in tandem to lay the possesion base from which they can build.

Japan 0-0 Spain, 8 minutes

19:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A horrible touch from Sergio Busquets but Spain survive! The experienced defensive midfielder turns into trouble, flicking in a lackadaisical manner to Japan.

The ball is shifted to the right edge, and Junya Ito rifles into the side netting.

Japan 0-0 Spain, 7 minutes

19:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nico Williams has started all abuzz, looking to get at Tuyo Nagatomo and Shogo Tanigochi on the left of the Japanese back-five. He forces through another cross, with Japan doing smart work to keep it away from Alvaro Morata, before Sergio Busquets slices his shot from range comfortably clear of the crossbar.

Japan 0-0 Spain, 4 minutes

19:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first attack for Japan. Takefua Kubo capitalises as Dazien Maeda nips in ahead of a Spanish defender. Kubo has started on the right of midfield and get to the byline, but can’t part Pau Torres and Rodri with his cut-back. Spain clear.

Japan 0-0 Spain, 4 minutes

19:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gavi and Pedri are both filling spaces when they appear, moving back to take the ball from their centre-halves’ feet, with Sergio Busquets a consistent pillar in the middle.

Spain in possession. That may become familiar.

Japan 0-0 Spain, 2 minutes

19:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hajime Moriyasu jots the first note in his book, the Japan manager happy enough when Nico Williams’ cross trundles out of play without a Spanish teammate near it.

Japan 0-0 Spain, 1 minute

19:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan begin with a back five, with Junya Ito on the right and Yuto Nagatomo on the left, both immediately withdrawn into defensive positions. A second bank of four sit in front of them - Daizen Maeda could have a long night of chasing up front.

KICK OFF!

19:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off we go!

Officials

18:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa’s Victor Gomes is our whistleman this evening; Fernando Guerrero (Mexico) leads the team of video assistants.

Anthems

18:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Kimigayo” is a lovely anthem, tuneful and soft, the lyrics taken from a traditional waka poem.

“La Marcha Real” is rather more emphatic, all crashing cymbals and fanfare - it’s also won of only four national anthems to have no official lyrics.

Japan vs Spain

18:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Both sets of supporters are beating away on their drums, painted in national colours, adding extra percussive soundtrack to another impressive, expensive pre-match light show.

Japan vs Spain

18:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right then - here we go. Spain are through with a point; Japan likely need a win if Germany are able to beat Costa Rica.

We’ve already had a 6-2 and a 4-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium during the course of this tournament. Are there goals in store this evening?

Japan vs Spain

18:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Under half an hour until kick off at the Khalifa International Stadium. Japan absorbed pressure so well against Germany and you’d expect Spain to have all of the ball this evening, but we saw how all of France’s changes badly disrupted Didier Deschamps’ side against Tunisia yesterday. With the midfield intact, Luis Enrique will be confident his side can maintain their fluency, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it is a slightly less smooth performance.

Japan vs Spain

18:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan, incidentally, have never qualified for the knockout rounds of back-to-back World Cups - they narrowly squeezed through on the fair play rule at Senegal’s expense four years ago before exiting against Belgium in the last-16.

Follow Germany vs Costa Rica

18:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

These simultaneous kick offs have really delivered so far - the last two days particularly have been full of drama right to the death as the last 16 sides at this World Cup are determined.

So do make sure you join my colleague Matt Verri on another tab to track how Germany fare in their must-win clash with Costa Rica - Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia is at Al Bayt Stadium, too, to see if Hansi Flick’s side can avoid an early exit.

Can Takefusa Kubo star?

18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is also a real opportunity for Japan’s own Spanish-based starlet to impress. Takefusa Kubo has now permanently joined Real Sociedad after a series of loans away from Real Madrid, and has looked to be finding his feet in La Liga. It’s a funky, versatile forward line for Japan tonight - with three changes in the Spanish back four, they may just be able to capatalise on any loose connections.

Japan vs Spain

18:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So yet another obnoxiously talented Barcelona youngster is thrown into the Spanish starting side. Alejandro Balde has looked rather excellent at left back as a 19-year-old this season, and the whispers are that there is already a rather sizeable contract offer on the table for him.

And while he’s made alterations elsewhere, it seems clear that Luis Enrique intends to stick with his preferred, Catalan-schooled midfield.

Team News - Japan

17:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hajime Moriyasu also opts for changes to his Japan side. Shogo Taniguchi is brought in at right back, while Junya Ito joins Hidemasa Morita in holding midfield. Daichi Kamada remains but the rest of the front four is swapped out - in come Ao Tanaka, Takefus Kubo and Daizen Maeda.

Japan XI: Gonda; Taniguchi, Yoshida, Itakura, Nagatomo; Morita, Ito; Tanaka, Kamada, Kubo; Maeda.

Team News - Spain

17:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Good news for Spain - Gavi is fit to feature, again alongside Pedri and Sergio Busquets in midfield. Alvaro Morata starts up front, with Nico Williams also brought into the front three, while Alejandro Balde, a late call-up for this tournament after Jose Gaya’s withdrawal, is in at left back.

Spain XI: Unai Simón; Azpilicueta, Rodri, Pau Torres, Balde; Busquets, Pedri, Gavi; Nico Williams, Olmo; Morata.

Dare Luis Enrique tinker?

17:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Spain would have loved to have their place in the knockout rounds secure, but they do need at least a point tonight to make absolutely certain.

Luis Enrique won’t want to leave out his captain, though looking ahead to the last-16 and a looming suspension for Sergio Busquets if he is booked again may be prudent. If Gavi is out, two midfield changes may prove disruptive.

Japan vs Spain

17:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s been a bit of an odd tournament so far for Japan - so impressive in beating Germany but then falling short against Costa Rica, entirely unable to unpick a closely woven defence. Spain’s possession-based game will offer another very different challenge.

Japan vs Spain

17:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

So we know that it is Morocco and Croatia who await Group E’s two last-16 representatives. If Spain win tonight they’ll set up a mightily intriguing encounter with Croatia - but we may be getting ahead of ourselves.

Predicted lineups

16:53 , George Flood

This could well be how both teams line up in Doha this evening, though Japan’s team is tricky to predict and will depend on how bold manager Hajime Moriyasu is willing to be in pursuit of that last-16 berth.

Predicted Japan XI: Gonda, Yamane, Yoshida, Itakura, H Ito, Endo, Morita, J Ito, Mitoma, Minamino, Asano

Predicted Spain XI: Simon, Carvajal, Rodri, Laporte, Jordi Alba, Gavi, Busquets, Pedri, Torres, Olmo, Morata

Japan vs Spain prediction

16:43 , George Flood

Japan started the tournament in stunning fashion by beating Germany, before throwing away their momentum with a meek 1-0 loss to Costa Rica. The pressure remains on against Spain, which may not work in the Blue Samurai’s favour.

Spain have impressed so far, scoring eight goals across two games - though seven came against Costa Rica - and should have enough to win.

Spain to win, 2-0.

Spain team news

16:41 , George Flood

The main injury concern for Spain leading into this game has been Barcelona sensational Gavi, who missed training on Monday with an issue suffered in the 1-1 draw with Germany.

He was later seen training separately from the main group along with Manchester City’s Rodri, who tends to play at centre-back for his country.

If he is not fit to feature tonight, then Koke seems the most likely to deputise, though there could be more than one midfield change with veteran Sergio Busquets running the risk of a suspension.

Alvaro Morata will presumably come into the attack after scoring in back-to-back games in Group E, with Marco Asensio potentially dropping to the bench.

Japan team news

16:38 , George Flood

Japan could make a number of changes in attack tonight as they push to keep their World Cup dream alive, with the likes of Takuma Asano, Takefusa Kubo, Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma all pushing to start.

Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Sakai are doubtful due to injury, as is Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo.

How to watch Japan vs Spain

16:34 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s match will be televised free-to-air and live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 6.15pm.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online via ITVX and ITV website.

Welcome to Japan vs Spain live coverage

16:32 , George Flood

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Japan vs Spain at the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

Group E reaches an exciting conclusion in Qatar tonight, with Germany needing to beat Costa Rica at Al Bayt Stadium to avoid another embarrassing early exit.

But here our focus is on events at Khalifa International Stadium, where Spain will hope to seal their progress as group winners.

Luis Enrique’s side are up against Japan, who looked to be on course for the last 16 after their shock upset of Germany before falling in insipid fashion against Costa Rica.

Kick-off this evening is at 7pm GMT, so keep it here for all your match build-up, latest team news and live minute-by-minute updates!

It should be another eventful night of high-stakes World Cup action.