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Rabat – Spain and Japan have qualified for the 2022 Qatar World Cup round of 16, while Germany and Costa Rica were eliminated after a thrilling final day of fixtures in Group E.
Germany and Costa Rica played their game at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. The Germans came into the match in desperate need of a win to maintain their chances of going to the round of 16 and avoiding a second group stage exit in a row.
But Costa Rica, despite their first 7-0 loss against Spain, were also motivated to secure a spot among the top 16, as they upset Japan 1-0 on Sunday.
Nevertheless, Serge Gnabry scored for Germany in the 10th minute, after an assist by David Raum. Despite the goal, Gnabry did not celebrate, as Germany needed a win by two goals or more to guarantee a spot in the next round.
Costa Rica’s Yeltsin Tejeda found the back of the net in the 58th minute, scoring an equalizer, before Juan Pablo Vargas put the Costa Ricans in the lead in minute 70.
It wasn’t long before Germany came back however, with Kai Havertz getting the ball over Costa Rica’s keeper Navas. Kai Havertz put the Germans back in the lead in minute 85, while Niclas Fullkrug widened that lead only 4 minutes later with an 89th minute goal.
Over at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha however, Spain faced off against Japan in another rollercoaster. Spain were in a comfortable position at the top of the group, after their win against Costa Rica and draw with the Germans.
The Japanese however, also needed a win to guarantee a spot in the knockouts, as their strong start against Germany was derailed by a 1-0 defeat against Costa Rica.
Alvaro Morata opened the scoresheet for the Spaniards at the 11th minute, after which they continued to press the Blue Samurais’ defenses, who were clearly growing frustrated as they amassed four yellow cards before the first half ended.
Japan equalized the score shortly after the second half began at the 48th minute, when striker Ritsu Doan who came on in the second half took advantage of sloppy defending and put the ball into the top corner of the net.
Only 2 minutes after that, Ao Tanaka put the Samurais in the lead, barely getting the ball over the goal line as the match’s officiating staff had to check the VAR footage to award the goal.
Earlier today, Morocco and Croatia made it through Group F to join the tournament’s top 16. The Atlas Lions beat Canada 2-1, qualifying for the knockout rounds for the first time since 1986.
