Despite securing a 4-2 win over Costa Rica in their last Group E game on Thursday, the four-time champions Germany were sensationally knocked out of the 2022 World Cup. Because Spain lost 2-1 to Japan in a parallel Group E match, Germany suffered their second straight exit before the Round of 16. It's a stunning collapse for a team that hadn't failed to advance past the opening round since 1954. Germany finished third in the group, trailing Spain on goal difference, while Japan emerged as the group leaders. This sets up a clash between Japan and Croatia in the next round, with Spain facing Morocco.
Four-time champion Germany sensationally crashed out of the 2022 World Cup despite a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in their final Group E match on Thursday. Spain’s 1-2 loss to Japan in another Group E encounter condemned Germany to a second-straight World Cup exit before the round of 16. The Germans had made it past the first round in each of the previous 16 tournaments since 1954. Germany finished third in the standings, behind Spain on goal difference. Japan finished as the table-toppers following their win over La Roja. Japan will be facing Croatia in the Last 16 while Spain will face Morocco.
Knowing they had to win to survive, Germany took an early lead in the 10th minute thanks to a goal from Serge Gnabry. Although they controlled the tempo and dominated possession from the whistle, they couldn't manage to find a second goal to put the game away during the first half.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half as Costa Rica fought back. In the 58th minute, Yeltsin Tejeda leveled the match; Keysher Fuller surged down the right wing and delivered a precise cross, leading to a header from Kendall Waston. Manuel Neuer could only parry the shot, allowing Tejeda to pounce on the rebound and score from close range.
Shortly after, Costa Rica took the lead via a set piece. Joel Campbell sent a high ball into the area, where Kendall Waston headed it across the goal for Pablo Vargas to poke home with a desperate stretch. Germany responded quickly, however, as Kai Havertz equalized just three minutes later, lofting a clever shot over Keylor Navas after receiving a flick from Niclas Fullkrug.
Fullkrug nearly scored shortly after, but Navas made a spectacular point-blank save to deny him. Nevertheless, Germany eventually overwhelmed Costa Rica to take a 3-2 lead. Serge Gnabry delivered a sharp cross from the right flank to the far post, allowing Havertz to bag his second of the night.
The scoring was rounded off in the 89th minute by Fullkrug. Joshua Kimmich launched a precise, long-range pass from deep to Leroy Sane, who cushioned the ball with his chest perfectly for Fullkrug to smash it into the net.
For the first time ever in their World Cup history, Germany failed to secure a victory in either of their first two group games. They leave Qatar in complete disappointment.