The Japanese bench emptied onto the pitch at the full-time whistle, basking in the euphoria of a monumental accomplishment, leaping into ecstatic hugs and burying veteran captain Maya Yoshida and in-form goalscorer Ritsu Doan with childlike innocence.

Japan had done it again: After dethroning four-time world champions Germany 2-1 in their World Cup opener, the Samurai Blue mounted another giant killing. Goals from Doan and Ao Tanaka saw the Asian powerhouse stage an extraordinary comeback after Alvaro Morata had given Spain a first-half lead. They held on to clinch another incredible triumph and reach the last 16 at the expense of none other than Germany.

"It's not like we have re-written history, but we've overcome a big wall," beamed Doan, who get on the scoresheet against both Spain and Germany. "I think it's the result of fighting as a team."

Four years ago, Japan demonstrated their huge potential by dominating but falling short against European giants Belgium, who then stood 58 places above them in the FIFA world rankings. But very few would have predicted that Hajime Moriyasu's side would top the "Group of Death" to seal progression after outsmarting both Germany and Spain.

In both victories, Japan showed remarkable defensive discipline when out of possession, and patiently carve their opponents apart when wrestling back control of the game. Their battling spirit and admirable composure were perfectly epitomized by 34-year-old Yoshida.

The seasoned central defender, who has played for top clubs in English, Italian and German leagues in a brilliant career, fought back every threat and deal with every loose ball with utmost care and accuracy.

When given the chance, Japan are also capable of displaying individual sparkle. The way Doan changed the Spain game off the bench was eye-catching as he calmly collected the ball on the edge of the area and fired a thunderous shot that even Lionel Messi would appreciate with relish.  

On the touchline, Moriyasu was visibly emotional. Japan's stunning breakthrough at this tournament represented an overdue redemption for the Japan coach, who played as midfielder in the heartbreaking loss to Iraq in Qatar back in 1993, which cost the team a spot in the 1994 World Cup and became known as "the tragedy of Doha."

"We played against Spain, one of the best teams in the world, and we knew before the game this was going to be very tough and difficult," Moriyasu told reporters afterward. "There were many fans who came all way from Japan as well as those at home and our win is also owed to them. We are gifting this win to the people of Japan and we are very happy about it."

Japan's reward for a shock win is a showdown with Croatia, the beaten finalists in the 2018 World Cup, while Spain will take on Morocco, who reached the knockout rounds for the first time in 36 years with a 2-1 win over Canada.

"The new aim for us is the last eight," declared Moriyasu. "The players are showing us a different and new view of being able to fight on the world stage. I would like to set a new record of the last eight or better."

In sharp contrast, Germany striker Kai Havertz, who scored two second-half goals in their 4-2 rout of Costa Rica, was in a sombre mood. His team was eliminated from Group E due to a goal difference and suffered the ignominy of crashing out of the World Cup at the group stage for the second successive tournament.

"When it happens this way, it feels like watching like a horror movie," Havertz observed. "We learned during the match that Japan were leading, and then the rankings were displayed in the stadium. We still had a little hope that Spain would score... But then we noticed that the Japan match was over."

"When you go out twice in the first round and once in the round of 16, it's extremely bitter," he added. "We have to be honest and say that for four years, everything hasn't been going well."

Despite boasting a star-studded squad, Germany lacked either energy or ideas during their Qatar campaign. They too often let their opponents control the tempo of the game with embarrassing ease. Their long-serving heroes such as Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Ilkay Gundogan and Mario Gotze were a shadow of their former selves and might as well step off the international stage.

Germany coach Hansi Flick suggested that the Qatar disaster was a symptom of deep-rooted problems that have afflicted the country's football.

"We have players who play with top clubs and we do have the quality but I believe that for the future of German football, we need to do things differently in training," he told a press conference. "We need the basics. Even though Spain lost, we should look at Spain. Spain are very good in defense, they focus on the training of younger players and they know their attacks well."

Flick also insisted Germany should set their sights on the future. "It will be very important to focus on the new generation of footballers," he said. "There are good players for the future, but for the next ten years, it is very important that we make the right steps now."

When asked whether he could be sacked after this demoralizing defeat, Flick remained defiant. "From my side, there is no reason not to continue," he claimed. "I enjoy it, we have good players coming through... But it won't be up to me."

But at least one thing is for sure: for Flick and his disconsolate players who are set to prematurely board the flight home, they have a long way to go in restoring their pride.