Despite ceding almost 85% of possession, the heatmap for the early stages shows how succesfully Japan initially troubled Germany.

Wataru Endo and Junya Ito have had the ball inside the opposition final third the most for their side so far, each threatening twice within range.

Eight Germany players have had possession inside the opposition penalty area, though, compared to three for Japan. Only goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and defenders Niklas Sule and Nico Shlotterbeck are yet to have had a touch in the danger area.

Image source, Opta

Image source, Opta

Chris Sutton
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Rudiger with a heavy challenge, it was like a doorman lifting someone out of a nightclub.

Great block!

David Raum's cross from the left is pushed away by Shuichi Gonda straight to Ilkay Gundogan, but his effort is superbly blocked by Maya Yoshida.

Brilliant defending.

Chris Sutton
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Germany are getting joy down the left but credit to that Japan backline and midfield. They are working so hard and they are so disciplined.

A decent move from Germany finds Ilkay Gundogan in space 25 yards from goal, but his first-time shot is easily saved by Shuichi Gonda.

The drummer is doing his best to liven things up, Tim!

Image source, Getty Images

Tim

The German FA have just tweeted about their team's protest during the team photo...

Chris Sutton
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Very cagey. Japan will be happy with the way things are going. Gnabry is the main one we have seen making those runs into the Japan backline.

That's better from Germany.

Joshua Kimmich rifles in an effort from distance that Shuichi Gonda punches away diving to his right.

The offside flag then denies the Germans as they look to seize on the rebound.

Chris Sutton
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Not a great header from Rudiger. He should head that back, into the far corner rather than trying to beat the keeper at his near post. Go back across the keeper in that type of situation.

First chance for Germany.

Antonio Rudiger rises at the far post to meet a corner, but his header goes wide of the post.

Goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda would likely have had it covered anyway.

Chris Sutton
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Germany are not hurting anyone at this moment in time, everything is in front of the back four. Interesting that Flick has played Sule at right-back. He doesn't look very mobile. He had the option of playing Kehrer in that right back position.

Image source, Getty Images

Germany's players were seen with their hands covering their mouths for the team photo amid an ongoing row with Fifa over the OneLove armband.

Germany Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has been spotted wearing it in the crowd.

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Sutton
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Japan are defending in numbers but as soon as they win the ball back, it's Kamada looking to break and make those forwards runs.

Jamal Musiala looks to get in behind the Japan defence down the left, but Wataru Endo gets in a strong tackle and clears for a throw.

Endo was onto Musiala in a flash there.

Japan look up for this.

Anon

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at Khalifa International Stadium

Image source, BBC Sport

That section of blue you can see are Japan supporters who are making a real racket inside the stadium.

A sole drummer is going for it and the roof almost comes off when they think they have scored, but the celebrations are cut short.

Chris Sutton
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

He was offside, it wasn't a great run from Maeda but that is a warning for Germany. There was no reason for him to be offside, he needed to time his run better. This is the way Japan are going to play this afternoon, they will sit deep and then look to counter at pace.