In a simply wild 45 minutes, Japan and Spain battled their way through the knockout stage of the World Cup. Meanwhile, Germany won that day, but were unable to advance due to poor goal differential.
At half-time in the matches, both Germany and Spain were in a position to take the lead. By the time each game reached the 70th minute, Japan and Costa Rica would have advanced. Comebacks by both sides put them in winning positions. Although Spain managed to maintain its leadership, Costa Rica capitulated. Germany outscored Keylor Navas by three in the last 17 minutes. Germany’s victory wasn’t enough for Die Mannschaft, even if it got Spain over the line.
Surprisingly, Japan finished at the top of the group. By six points, Japan’s only loss was against Costa Rica. Wins over Germany and then Spain put Samurai Blue into a round of 16 tie with Croatia. Spain, which looked lackluster against both Germany and Japan after a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica, made do with second place. His reward is a date with Morocco, winner of Group F.
Germany, on the other hand, are out of the group stage for the second consecutive World Cup after winning the tournament in 2014. Despite a string of heroic performances from Jamal Musiala and against Costa Rica, Germany are out. On top of that, Germany also had an ‘early’ exit at Euro 2020. They lost to England in the round of 16, giving Germany only one knockout game in a tournament since reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2016.
Japan beat Spain to finish at the top of a wild World Cup group
However, Germany might have a bone to pick in their failure to reach the last 16. If Spain tied with Japan, Germany and Spain would advance. Japan’s second goal drew the ire of the Germans, particularly due to how marginal the call was.
Kauro Mitoma made a desperate attempt to keep the ball in play as he swept past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón. From the camera angles provided, the ball looked out of play. However, the camera angles did not tell the same story that the officials saw. Mitoma chipped the ball back in and Ao Tanaka kneed it into the net.
The goal counted. As a result, Japan’s three points overtook Germany in the group table.
Spain, which despite everything advanced while Costa Rica lost, did not have the momentum to score that Germany had at the end.
Group winners Japan take on Croatia on Monday, December 5. Spain fights Morocco a day later.
PHOTO: IMAGO/ANP
World Cup 2022 Guide
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