Japan, Spain survive explosive World Cup group, Germany out

In a frankly wild 45 minutes, Japan and Spain reached the knockout stage of the World Cup. Meanwhile, Germany won on the day, but failed to advance due to a poor goal difference.

During halftime of the games, both Germany and Spain were able to advance. By the time each game reached the 70th minute, Japan and Costa Rica would have advanced. Comebacks from both sides put them in winning positions. While Spain managed to hold on to the lead, Costa Rica capitulated. Germany put three past Keylor Navas in the last 17 minutes. Germany’s victory was not enough for that The Mannschafteven if it won over Spain.

Remarkably, Japan finished at the top of the group. By six points, Japan’s lone defeat was against Costa Rica. Win against Germany, then Spain put the Samurai Blue in a round of 16 draw with Croatia. Spain, looking lackluster against both Germany and Japan after Costa Rica’s 7-0 thrashing, scraped through with second place. The reward is a date with Group F winner Morocco.

Germany, on the other hand, is out in the group stage for a second World Cup in a row after winning the tournament in 2014. Despite a string of heroic performances from Jamal Musiala and one against Costa Rica, Germany are out. In addition, Germany also had an ‘early’ exit at Euro 2020. It lost to England in the round of 16, giving Germany just one knockout match at a tournament since reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2016.

Japan beats Spain to finish top of wild World Cup group

Nevertheless, Germany could have a bone to pick because it does not reach the eighth finals. If Spain draws with Japan, Germany and Spain advance. Japan’s second goal much to the fury of the Germans, mainly because of the marginal call.

Kauro Mitoma made a desperate attempt to keep the ball in play as it rolled past Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón. From the camera angles provided, the ball seemed out of play. However, the camera angles didn’t tell the same story the officials saw. Mitoma shot the ball back in and Ao Tanaka placed it in the net with his knee.