Qatar 2022: Germany crash out as Spain get Morocco, Japan to face Croatia in Round of 16
Germany's shock exit is coming few hours after the Red Devils of Belgium wer also sent parking from the ongoing tournament in the Middle East
The mighty are falling at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with Germany emerging as the latest big name casualty.
Germany's shock exit is coming few hours after the Red Devils of Belgium wer also sent parking from the ongoing tournament in the Middle East.
Germany’s humiliation at the World Cup has continued with Hansi Flick’s side dumped out at the group stage for the second successive tournament.
Just like in Russia four years ago, Germany have failed to reach the last-16 despite their thrilling 4-2 win against Costa Rica.
It is the second World Cup in a row Germany have failed to get out of the group
Flick knew Germany had to beat Costa Rica in their final Group E game and hope Japan failed to beat Spain.
And things were looking positive for both European nations going into the second half, with Germany and Spain both leading 1-0.
Serge Gnabry headed the 2014 champions into the lead as Germany missed an abundance of chances in the first half.
But they were soon bumped out of the top two as just like in their opening match against Germany, Japan fought back from behind to win 2-1.
And it what was a topsy-turvy clash against Costa Rica, Germany found themselves 2-1 down following goals from Yeltsin Tejeda and Juan Pablo Vargas.
At that stage, Costa Rica were on their way through to the Round of 16 in second spot at the expense of Spain and Germany.
But substitute Kai Havertz fired in a 12-minute brace to put Germany back in front.
It was 4-2 in the 89th minute as Niclas Fullkrug tapped home from close range after Havertz squared the ball to him.
But their victory ultimately failed to matter as Japan held on for a nervy victory to top Group E, with Spain finishing as runners-up.
Despite doing their job against Costa Rica, there will be question marks now over Flick’s position as manager.
But he was left in disbelief at the end of the game after Japan’s win over Spain knocked Germany out
Their defeat to Japan has proved costly, and they failed to beat Spain in their second group fixture.
Though there will be outrage from Germany – and Spain – after Japan’s winner looked to be over the byline.
Ao Tanaka bundled home a controversial goal in the 51st minute, which was checked at length by VAR.
Kaoru Mitoma hooked the ball back into the six-yard box, but it appeared that the ball was over line.
But it was allowed to stand, with Japan, who had just 17.7 per cent of the possession, keeping Spain at bay for the rest of the match.
Germany will now have to pack their bags and head back to Europe, while Spain will face Morocco in the last-16, with Japan to pit their wits against Croatia.
