Germany must beat Costa Rica on Thursday or the four-time World Cup champions will go home early for a second consecutive tournament.
Germany was knocked out as reigning World Cup champions in group play four years ago in Russia. But even a victory might not be enough. Germany is in last place in Group E and, depending on the outcome of Japan versus Spain, goal difference deficit might come into play. Germany has scored two goals through its two games, a 2-1 loss to Japan in its opening match and 1-1 draw against Spain.
Germany's coach Hans-Dieter Flick leads a training session at the Al Shamal Stadium in Al Shamal, north of Doha on Nov. 30, 2022, on the eve of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football match between Costa Rica and Germany. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via GCosta Rica earned a surprise win over Japan last week and now control its own fate.
If Spain wins the group, the team would face the second-place from Group F. That could be Croatia, Belgium or Morocco. After that, a match against Brazil is possible. Teenager Gavi, who started the first two matches, trained separately from the group after the 1-1 draw with Germany because of a minor knee injury. He was expected to be available for Thursday’s match, but wasn't likely to start.
The eastern European nation has reached at least the semifinals on each of the two times it has reached the knockout stage.
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