Qatar 2022: Germany Defeats Costa Rica But Both Bow Out Of Group E

In a game full of twists and turns, the Nationalmannschaft beat the El Ticos (4-2), but the scoreline was Insufficient to reach the round of 16, because at the same time, Japan won against Spain (2-1).

As in 2018, Germany was eliminated in the first round of the competition. The men of Hansi Flick will especially regret their defeat against Japan during the first day.

At the Al Bayt stadium, the German supporters went through emotions over an evening full of twists and turns. Unsurprisingly, Costa Rica first suffered the waves of German offensives. After three clear chances, Serge Gnabry found the opening in the 10th minute, with a header, on a cross from David Raum (1-0). And as Spain scored a goal a minute later, the Germans found themselves provisionally qualified.

In the first half, Germany outrageously dominated with 70% possession, as the “Ticos” hardly ever set foot in Manuel Neuer’s box.

Upon resumption of the second half, Yeltsin Tejeda (58th), then Juan Pablo Vargas forced Neuer put the ball into his net at the 70th minute to make it 2-1. At that moment, against all odds, it was Costa Rica who found themselves “virtually” qualified for the round of 16… ahead of Spain.

The entry into play of striker Niclas Füllkrug, the man who had scored against Spain, helped put the Germans back on track. After two shots from Musiala on the uprights, Kai Havertz scored twice (75th, 85th) and restored the advantage to his team. Füllkrug added on for 4-2 at the 89th minute. The German players and their supporters had to hope for a miracle, with a Spanish equaliser in the other game, Which never happened. Japan won 2-1.

The Costa Rica-Germany match also goes down in football history for having been the first in the men’s World Cup led by a woman, Stéphanie Frappart.

In the round of 16, Spain will play against Morocco on Tuesday December 6, at 4 p.m., and Japan will face Croatia on Monday December 5, at 4 p.m.