VIEW PHOTOS | Japan beats Spain 2-1 as both teams advance at FIFA World Cup

Japan scored twice early in the second half to come from behind and defeat another European powerhouse and make it to the knockout stage for the second straight World Cup.

After beating Germany in the team's opener, Japan worked its way into the round of 16 of the World Cup on Thursday by defeating Spain 2-1 — the same score as last week. (Photo | AP) 

Spain also advanced despite the loss, knocking Germany out of the tournament. (Photo | AP)

Japan scored twice early in the second half to come from behind and defeat another European powerhouse and make it to the knockout stage for the second straight World Cup. (Photo | AP)

It's the first time Japan has advanced past the group stage in back-to-back tournaments. (Photo | AP)

“For Asia and for Japan, our victories over Spain and Germany, two of the top teams in the world, is something that gives us great confidence and we are very pleased,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said. (Photo | AP)

Japan finished at the top of Group E and will next face Croatia. Spain will take on Group F winner Morocco. (Photo | AP)

Japan's Ao Tanaka celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup group E soccer match between Japan and Spain, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. (Photo | AP)

Japan's Ritsu Doan reacts during the World Cup group E soccer match between Japan and Spain, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. (Photo | AP)

Ao Tanaka scored the winning goal from close range early in the second half. (Photo | AP)

Japan's Kaoru Mitoma appears to have the ball over the line before crossing it for a goal during the World Cup group E soccer match between Japan and Spain, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. (Photo | AP)

“From my angle I think the ball was clearly half out, but more than that I could not see because of the speed,” Tanaka said. “I was concentrating on scoring. There was always a possibility that it was out ... But in the end, it was a goal, so that was great.” (Photo | AP)

It took about two minutes for video review officials to confirm the ball hadn’t gone out of bounds before the goal at Khalifa International Stadium, where Japan had shocked Germany in its opener. (Photo | AP)

Players from both teams looked surprised when it was announced that the goal counted, and the Japanese started running toward their bench again to celebrate with their teammates. (Photo | AP)

Referee Victor Gomes of South Africa show the yellow card to Japan's Maya Yoshida during the World Cup group E soccer match between Japan and Spain, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. (Photo | AP)

Referee Victor Gomes, of South Africa, books Japan's Ko Itakura during a World Cup group E soccer match at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. (Photo | AP)

Japan's Hisako, Princess Takamado celebrates after the World Cup group E soccer match between Japan and Spain at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. (Photo | AP)