By Aditi Sangal, Leighton Rowell, Matt Meyer and Maureen Chowdhury, CNN
Japan has a stunned with a swift second goal against Spain. Ao Tanaka helped capture the lead for the Blue Samurai in the 53rd minute of play.
At first, quick suspense followed because it was unclear if the ball was over the line — and hence out of play — before the goal happened, but it was allowed after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
The tables have turned, and now it is Spain's turn to even the score.
Where things stand: Japan 2, Spain 1
Japan has just scored its equalizer against Spain, and the team is still very much in the game, vying to go to the knockouts.
From CNN's Clint Alwahab and Issy Ronald
Stéphanie Frappart made history on Thursday as the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup match.
Alongside assistants Neuza Back from Brazil and Karen Diaz from Mexico, the French referee is part of an all-female refereeing trio currently officiating Costa Rica vs. Germany in their Group E match.
In 2019, Frappart became the first female referee to take charge of a Ligue 1 match; in August 2019, the first to take charge of a major men’s European match; and in 2020, the first to officiate a men’s UEFA Champions League match.
Costa Rica will look to erase its 1-0 deficit against Germany in the second half.
As things stand in both Group E matches, Germany would currently move on to the Round of 16.
The Germans' most direct path to the knockout stage is a Spain win against Japan and a victory of their own against Costa Rica.
The Costa Ricans are also rooting for a Spanish victory, but they'll first need to pull ahead of Germany if they want a shot at advancing.
The Samurai Blue will look for an equalizer in this second half during their rescue campaign in these next 45 minutes (plus stoppage time).
Japan has been taking risks, trying to create some openings to score that first goal, but they've struggled to get possession of the ball, and so far, the team has only amassed three yellow cards.
Remember: If Japan loses, it will be eliminated from the World Cup.
Spain 1-0 Japan
It's halftime for Costa Rica and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium.
The Germans lead 1-0, despite a few late chances for Costa Rica to equalize.
Japan has had to do a lot of chasing in the first half with Spain dominating possession of the ball for 77% of play time. La Furia Roja has also taken double the shots at the Samurai Blue’s goal.
Japan will go back to the locker room for a brainstorm on how they could score the equalizer after that header from Spain's Álvaro Morata.
Spain 1-0 Japan
Striker Álvaro Morata headed the ball into the net after receiving a cross from defender César Azpilicueta to score an opening goal for Spain in the 12th minute of the game!
The Germans have pulled ahead in their Group E match against Costa Rica.
Midfielder Serge Gnabry opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a header – off a cross from David Raum – shortly after missing an almost identical attempt.
It's 1-0, Germany.
