CNN
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Germany was eliminated from the 2022 World Cup on Friday after a poor result in Group E, despite defeat by Costa Rica.
At different points in both games, fans of Spain and Japan as well as Costa Rica and Germany thought their countries were going to the knockout stage.
Completely blanked by Spain in the first half and going to Alvaro Morata’s first goal in the first half, Japan came back to win 2-1 and top the group.
Two Japanese goals – from Ritsu Dōan and Ao Tanaka – came within three minutes of the second half.
Germany won 4-2 against Costa Rica, despite scoring once, but it wasn’t enough with Japan and Spain advancing to the last 16.
German coach Hansi Flick said it was “a big disappointment” for the German team.
“In the first half, I was disappointed and very angry with my team and how we allowed the opponent to come back,” said Flick, per Reuters.
“We wanted to score three or four goals in the first half but we made mistakes. If we had converted those chances, 16 of them.
“But today’s competition was not decided for us. We didn’t have a place in this competition and that’s why we were eliminated.”
The Group E result means Japan will face Croatia in the next round, while Spain will play Morocco.
The evening was significant for another reason – Stéphanie Frappart became the first woman to referee a World Cup match for men.
Along with assistants Neuza Back from Brazil and Karen Diaz from Mexico, the French referee is part of an all-female refereeing trio overseeing the match between Germany and Costa Rica.
Nine goals, controversial VAR decisions, and a fourth World Cup winner kicked out of the competition at the group stage as Germany in Russia 2018 – these two Group E games will live long in the memory.
Just a few hours after the elimination of one European, Belgium, Spain and Germany faced the challenge, against Japan and Costa Rica, two teams eliminated by most of the football geniuses who never reached the last 16 before the world. The cup starts.
Despite those predictions, it was an evening that started with all four teams able to progress to the next level.
In the opening quarter of the two games, both European sides appeared to advance from the group.
At the Al Bayt Stadium, Serge Gnabry headed home in the 10th minute to give Germany a crucial lead as they battle to revive their hopes of qualification after a poor start to his announcement when the loss surprised Japan.
At the Khalifa International Stadium, Morata headed home a brilliant cross from right-back César Azpilicueta to put Spain ahead.
In doing so, Morata became the second player to score in his first three World Cup matches for Spain, after Telmo Zarra in 1950, according to Opta.
After the goal, with both European sides occupying the relegation zones, Spain and Germany dominated the proceedings for the remainder of the first half, with Spain enjoying 78% of the possession. Germany got 65% because they limited the opening of the opposition team.
But the high status of European teams will soon be challenged – within minutes of the second half starting in both games, the situation of the team has changed completely.
As he did in the famous win over Germany, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu used his substitutes smartly, bringing on Dōan and his left-footed strike. .
After a while, Tanaka gave Samurai Blue a shocking lead that threw the team into disarray.
Tanaka’s goal did not come without controversy. A VAR review ruled that the ball did not go out of play before Tanaka hit the cross for the goal.
When it looked like they couldn’t be wild – and completely against the flow of the game – Costa Rica rallied to score points against Germany as Yeltsin Tejeda slotted home a late winner. of Manuel Neuer’s inability to push hard from Kendall Waston.
But the mental math for coaches, players and fans has only just begun.
Costa Rica took the lead as Juan Pablo Vargas headed home after a controversial goal to leave Germany.
With about 20 minutes left in both games, Spain and Germany – two World Cup winners – were in trouble to go home.
Costa Rica’s hopes were quickly dashed as a brace from Kai Havertz and a late Niclas Füllkrug goal ensured Germany – after a rollercoaster evening – claimed all three points.
However, Spain’s 7-0 win over Costa Rica in their first group game – thus guaranteeing a healthy goal difference – is proving life for Luis Enrique’s side to get out. of the group and condemned Germany to finish third.
Germany desperately needed a Spanish goal to climb back into the relegation zone. However, Spain was unable to break down Japan’s resolute defense, which did not really bother Shuichi Gonda in goal, despite seven minutes of extra time.
After improving his goal difference, Spanish coach Enrique was critical of his side’s performance.
“I’m not happy at all. Yes, we are qualified, I want to win this game. This was impossible because in five minutes, Japan scored two goals … we were out, we were eliminated,” said Enrique during a press conference, per Reuters .
