Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Qatar 2022: Germany, Costa Rica crash out as Japan, Spain cruise to round of 16

It is the second consecutive time Germany are failing to qualify from the group stage at the World Cup.

• December 1, 2022
Germany v Costa Rica
Germany v Costa Rica [Photo Credit: Bavarian Football Works]

Germany and Costa Rica both crashed out of the ongoing World Cup in Qatar from the group stage on Thursday. Japan and Spain, however, advanced into the round of 16 of the competition.

It is the second consecutive time Germany are failing to qualify from the group stage at the World Cup.

Japan defeated Spain 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday night, garnering six points in their three group stage games. 

Morata opened scoring for Spain in the 11th minute. But Japan fought their way back into the game as Doan pulled an equaliser in the 48th minute, while Tanaka fired in their winning goal in the 58th minute. 

Underdog, Japan led Group E with six points, having defeated Germany in their opening game and Spain in the last group stage game on Thursday.

Spain escaped into the round of 16 with four points behind Japan, narrowly edging our Germany on goal difference, having won Costa Rica and drawn Germany in the first and second game. 

Goals from Gnabry, Kai Havertz and Füllkrug powered Germany to a  4-2 win over Costa Rica at Al Bayt Stadium on Thursday but was not enough to help them push to the next round.

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