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Germany suffer second straight WC group stage exit

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AL KHOR, QATAR - DECEMBER 01: Manuel Neuer of Germany reacts after Costa Rica scored their sides first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Costa Rica and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
AL KHOR, QATAR - DECEMBER 01: Manuel Neuer of Germany reacts after Costa Rica scored their sides first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Costa Rica and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Germany failed to qualify for the knockout stages for the second successive FIFA World Cup tournament despite a 4-2 win over Costa Rica at Al Bayt Stadium.

Die Mannschaft made only one alteration after their draw against Spain, as Leroy Sane was recalled to form a three-pronged attack alongside Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala, just behind lone forward Thomas Muller.

Germany pinned back Costa Rica in their own half from the off as Gnabry gave them the lead with just ten minutes on the clock after guiding David Raum's cross into the top corner.

Los Ticos had their big chance shortly before the interval after a bad back pass by Antonio Rudiger led to Keysher Fuller Spence going clear on goal but his smashing strike was bravely pushed away by shot-stopper Manuel Neuer in a one-on-one.

Luis Suarez's men remained in the game early in the second stanza and Yeltsin Tejeda eventually levelled matters shortly before the hour-mark with a strike from the rebound after Neuer could not hold onto a header by Kendall Waston.

Costa Rica took the lead with 19 minutes remaining after a glancing header by Juan Pablo Vargas in the box.

However, second-half substitute Kai Havertz quickly restored parity for Hansi Flick's troops after converting a one-on-one chance against goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

Germany went ahead again in the last five minutes after Havertz latched onto a cross by Gnabry that looped over Navas and completed his brace with a finish at the back post.

Niclas Fullkrug had a goal for Die Mannschaft in stoppage time from a tap-in belatedly awarded by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

However, a win by a two-goal margin was not enough for Germany as they crashed out of the tournament on an inferior goal difference compared to Spain, as both sides finished equal on four points.

Spain went through to the knockout stages by the skin of their teeth in spite of a narrow 2-1 loss to Japan, who qualified as winners of Group E at Khalifa International Stadium.

La Roja made five changes to the side that drew with Germany, as only Rodri remained in a reshuffled back line that had Cesar Azpilicueta, Pau Torres and Alejandro Balde.

Nico Williams and Alvaro Morata were the other two new entrants, as they spearheaded the Spanish attack, alongside Dani Olmo.

Luis Enrique's charges had a perfect start after Morata gave them the lead on 11 minutes with a downward free header in the box after a cross by Azpilicueta.

Spain had more control of the encounter after going ahead, as the Samurai Blue were forced to absorb the pressure and could not get past La Roja's high press.

Japan came out a different side from the break as substitute Ritsu Doan pulled them level three minutes later with a swerving strike that goalkeeper Unai Simon could only help into the back of the net.

It took just a couple of minutes from there for Hajime Moriyasu's men to go ahead after Ao Tanaka tucked home a cross by Kaoru Mitoma on the byline, that needed a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check before it was confirmed by South African referee Victor Gomes.

The Samurai Blue held on to qualify as group winners while La Roja edged Germany as runners-up on a superior goal difference after both sides finished equal on four points.

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