Germany crashed out of the FIFA World Cup on a spectacular night of drama despite a victory over Costa Rica at the Albeit Stadium.
Japan’s controversial 2-1 victory over Spain would have eliminated Germany anyway, but Hansi Flick’s side needed three points to give themselves any chance of reaching the last 16.
They lived up to their end of the bargain, but to no avail as the four-time champions finished third in the group and were eliminated on goal difference.
It could have been a different story after Japan’s winning goal in the second Group E match was initially disallowed as officials believed the ball had gone out of play before it was put in the net, but VAR ruled it out. The decision was overturned.
Germany were in complete control and in front through a 10th-minute Serge Gnabry header, only for Costa Rica to turn the match on its head and extend Spain’s remarkable chance of going out.
Yeltsin Tejeda equalized in the 58th minute after Kendall Waston’s header was pushed by Germany keeper Manuel Neuer, before Neuer had what was thought to be the last touch for a second goal 12 minutes later when Juan Pablo Vargas headed home from close range. done.
At this stage, Costa Rica was going through with Japan, and Spain was heading for the exit.
It may have capped one of the most surprising nights in World Cup history, but Germany substitute Kai Hauertz provided a measure of normality with two clinical finishes to extinguish Costa Rica’s hopes of avoiding a major shock. Restored.
Substitute Niklas Flickrg added a fourth in the final minute to seal victory, but it was to be no consolation as Germany failed to reach the knockout stages of the tournament for the second time in a row.
It was also a match that made history as an all-female team took charge of a men’s World Cup game for the first time, with France’s Stéphane Freipart officiating, assistant referees Nysa Beck from Brazil and Karen Diaz from Mexico. Joined Medina.
Germany suffered the shock of a declining power
Germany’s second consecutive exit in the group stage will be another shock to their system and they can have no complaints about leaving Qatar.
The skids were under way in their campaign when they lost 2-1 to Japan in their opening match and, despite showing real character to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Spain, the first-game defeat left them Weakened.
Germany’s victory looked a formality as they controlled the first half hour with embarrassing ease and Gnabry’s strike led the way.
Costa Rica were controlled but Germany’s composure let them into the game and suddenly they were the ones who looked to be qualifying as they progressed, although it didn’t last long.
Germany have some good players in the brilliant Jamal Musyala, who was superb and hit the post twice in the second half, but this World Cup could spell magic for the older generation such as goalkeeper Neuer and forward Thomas Müller. Neuer was uncertain and could have done better with both goals, while Muller missed an easy first-half chance and was substituted after the break.
There is sure to be a lengthy investigation into another fiasco in the finals.
