Al Khor, Qatar – Regardless of successful a rollercoaster match in opposition to underdogs Costa Rica, Germany have didn’t advance to the Spherical of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar after Japan surprised Spain within the different Group E match.
4-time champions Germany defeated Costa Rica 4-2 at Al Bayt Stadium on Thursday however the victory was bittersweet as they completed third within the group, crashing out within the group stage for a second consecutive time.
In a simultaneous match happening at Khalifa Worldwide Stadium, Japan shockingly defeated favourites Spain 2-1, permitting each of these groups to advance on the expense of Germany and Costa Rica.
The match began sluggishly, with Costa Rica having a troublesome time making it out of their finish and an early purpose by German ahead Serge Gnabry didn’t assist that momentum. Nonetheless, a rapid-fire second half, with the lead being traded between the groups, stirred the goals of Costa Rica followers – till Kai Havertz’s brace and Niclas Fullkrug’s purpose on the finish of regulation time snuffed out their hopes.
Notably, historical past was additionally made on this match as French referee Stephane Frappart grew to become the primary lady to officiate a males’s World Cup conflict.