Germany were eliminated from the World Cup after a loss against Costa Rica was not enough to guarantee them a place at the last 16.
Hansi Flick’s team came back to defeat Costa Rica in their last group game 4-2.
After a thrilling game in Qatar, Japan defeated Spain 2-1 to end Germany’s quest for the second World Cup.
Japan’s victory goal against Germany was controversial. Some believed the ball went out before Kaoru Mitoma crossed it to Ao Takaka.
VAR checks were conducted after the goal. Officials ruled in Japan’s favor, saying that the entire ball did not cross the line.
Ritsu Doan scored the team’s first goal in 48 minutes with a shot from outside the box.
These results show that Japan won Group E and Spain placed second. Costa Rica was last.
Charlotte Marsh, Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh stated: “It’s almost inconceivable that Germany would leave at the group stage of two consecutive World Cups. But it has happened.”
“It’s been a lot of failures at this tournament since their 2014 win over Brazil, but you can’t say that because of their pedigree, Germany deserved to be in the knockout rounds.
“Given the chances they had, especially against Japan and Costa Rica, they should have cruised into last 16. Their downfall was ultimately due to their mistakes in defence and midfield.”
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After Serge Gnabry’s goal early in the match, Germany led the game 1-0 at the half. However, Costa Rica took a surprise 2-1 lead which temporarily put Germany and Spain out of the competition.
Kai Havertz then equalized and added a third to bring Germany back on top, before Niclas Fulkrug scored a fourth.
A female referee also took to the field in this game, marking the first match in World Cup history.
France’s Stephanie Frappart officiated the match and led an all-female team. Neuza Back from Brazil and Ren Diaz Medina from Mexico were her assistants.
Japan will now take on Group F runners up Croatia in the 16th, while Spain will play Group F winners Morocco.
