Cots Rica vs Germany, Japan vs Spain: Germany recorded a thrilling 4–2 win over Costa Rica in their final group match, but it was not enough for them to advance, finishing a disappointing third in Group E.
Costa Rica vs Germany, Japan vs Spain FIFA World cup Highlights, Goals
A heartbreaking end for European powerhouse Germany on Friday crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in the group stage. This was their second consecutive group stage exit after suffering a similar fate in the previous edition in Russia.
Japan qualified for the last 16 stage as group toppers after beating Spain 2-1 in the second match of Group E. Despite the loss, Spain qualified for the next round due to superior goal difference over Germany as both teams finished on four points. Costa Rica were eliminated along with Germany, ending the group stage on three points.
A six-goal thriller to round off Group E for #CRC & #GER@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022
Costa Rica vs Germany Match Highlights
After a shock defeat against Japan in their first opening game, Germany were bottom of the table before kick-off against Costa Rica and needed to be in all order and combination to advance to the knockout stages. But it didn’t happen. Even a draw between Japan and Spain would have been enough for four-time champions Germany, but it was the end of the road for the Asian side as they registered their second upset win.
Germany took an early lead in the 10th minute, kept the race alive and held on to the lead until the half-time break. In the second half, Costa Rica, who were on the run and needed a win, equalized in the 58th minute before taking a surprise lead through keeper Manuel Neuer’s own goal in the 70th minute.
Germany took the lead through two quick goals from substitute Kai Havertz (73rd and 85th minutes). Another substitute, Niclas Fullkrug increased the lead to 4–2 in the 89th minute. But before the end of the match, news of Japan’s resounding victory came to light, leaving both the German players and fans inside the stadium disappointed.
Group E we will never forget you. ❤️#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022
In a night of relentless drama in the desert near Doha, the Germans struck first through Serge Gnabry in the 10th minute, but the Central Americans scored twice with Yeltsin Tejeda and Juan Pablo Vargas, followed by Kai Havertz scored a goal. Brace held them back.
Watch Costa Rica vs Germany Highlights
Fellow substitute Niklas Fulkerg added a fourth in stoppage time but it did nothing to halt their collapse as Spain progressed with a better goal difference.
It was the first time in their illustrious World Cup history that Germany had failed to win either of their first two group matches and, despite winning at their last attempt, they drew with Qatar.
Japan vs Spain Match Highlights
Japan began their second World Cup upset on Thursday by beating 2010 champions Spain 2-1 to join their beaten rivals in the last 16.
Down 1–0 at half-time and on course for an early exit from the World Cup, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu reorganized his team to be more attacking and within six minutes the Samurai Blue were ahead.
Ritsu Doan, one of the substitutes, fired a shot from the edge of the box in the 48th minute that Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón – whose poor clearance posed a threat – could not keep out.
Three minutes later, Ao Tanaka scored from close range after second-half sub Kaoru Mitoma cut the ball in from the byline. It took several minutes for the VAR system to confirm that the ball had not gone out of bounds before Mitoma’s touch, prompting Japan and their fans to celebrate when the decision came.
Another famous Japan win sees them top a wild Group E 🇯🇵@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022
Spain looked in complete control in the first half, but suddenly their chances of staying in the World Cup are in tatters as Costa Rica and Germany play their second Group E match.
