Nov 23, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (21) scores a goal on a penalty kick in the first half against Japan during a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

İlkay Gündoğan scored Germany’s first goal in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, converting a penalty in the 33rd minute vs. Japan on Wednesday. After a frantic few seconds inside the box, Japan goalkeeper Shūichi Gonda fouled midfielder David Raum.

Then Manchester City man Gündoğan stepped up and confidently hammered the penalty home, giving Germany a 1-0 lead heading into the half.

While many referee calls can be debatable, this seemed like a clear cut penalty without much argument.

Man City and others praised the 32-year-old midfielder’s goal on Twitter. Gündoğan has had a strong half as his team looks to bounce back from 2018 when they finished last in their group in a failed attempt to defend their 2014 World Cup championship.

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