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Shock: Germany Crash Out, Japan Pip Spain To Spot

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AL KHOR, QATAR - DECEMBER 01: Antonio Ruediger of Germany reacts 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: Antonio Ruediger of Germany reacts 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)

Costa Rica 2-4 Germany

Four-time world champions Germany have failed to progress beyond the group stages at the FIFA World Cup for a second successive tournament.

German coach Hansi Flick made just one change from the draw with Spain, as Leroy Sane was handed a start as Thilo Kehrer dropped to the bench for the must-win encounter.

Costa Ricans needed to better Japan's result against Spain to stand any chance of advancing to the next round.

However, the Germans broke the deadlock after just ten minutes through Serge Gnabry, who turned home David Raum's cross for his first goal at the tournament.

Germany had a couple more chances to increase their lead, but were unable to hit the target but the South Americans pulled level in the second half thanks to Yeltsin Tejeda's close-range finish.

Flick responded by introducing Mario Gotze and Kai Havertz for the final 20 minutes, with Thomas Muller and Raum dropping to the bench.

Costa Rica went on to take the lead on 70 minutes, as Juan Pablo Vargas flicked the ball past Manuel Neuer after the Germans failed to clear their lines.

That joy did not last too long, as Havertz brought the Germans level three minutes later before the Chelsea star put his side 3-2 ahead in the 85th minute, setting up a nervy finish.

Niclas Füllkrug did grab a fourth goal for Germany in the 89th minute, but it ultimately meant nothing as Japan picked up the win over Spain.

Japan 2-1 Spain

Japan secured top spot in Group F after rallying from behind to defeat Spain 2-1 on Thursday night.

La Roja handed starts to Cesar Azpilicutea, Pau Torres and Barcelona teenager Alejandro Balde, while Nico Williams joined Alvaro Morata in the attack.

The Japanese came into the clash looking to secure victory after suffering a surprise defeat to Costa Rica, although Takehiro Tomiyasu and Takumi Minamino remained on the bench.

The decision to start Morata paid off in the 12th minute when the striker rose above his marker to nod home Azpilicueta's cross for his third goal of the campaign.

After failing to trouble Spain in the first half, Japan pulled level three minutes after the break when Ritsu Doan fired past Unai Simon, who should have done better with the strike.

The turnaround was complete on 51 minutes when Atomu Tanaka turned home a cross from Kaoru Mitoma after some good work by Doan in the build-up.

La Roja threw everything forward in search of the equaliser in the latter stages, but the Japanese defended with 11 men behind the ball to secure the win and top spot in the group.

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