In a night of great drama in Group E, Germany was sensationally eliminated from the World Cup in Qatar despite coming from behind to defeat Costa Rica 4-2.
The four-time winners needed all three points to advance, but their fate was out of their hands because they needed Spain’s help after their shocking 2-1 loss to Japan. With Keylor Navas unable to stop Serge Gnabry’s thunderous header, Germany scored after just 10 minutes. In fact, they ought to have been well away when Keysher Fuller of Costa Rica came in behind after Antonio Rudiger slipped up, but Manuel Neuer, who was making a World Cup goaltending record 19th appearance, made an outstanding stop to put him at bay.
Costa & Germany Both Sides Out Of FIFA 2022
However, just like in their first game against Japan, they were taken aback when Costa Rica scored an equaliser against the flow of play. Kendall Waston’s header was just parried by Neuer, and Yeltsin Tejeda pounced on the rebound. Although there was still more than half an hour to go, it appeared that Germany’s luck was running out as Musiala (twice) and Rudiger (twice) hit the post in a span of seven minutes.
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Juan Pablo Vargas’ shock goal for Costa Rica gave the Central Americans a three-minute lead, which came as a sucker punch to Germany. But a double from replacement Kai Havertz turned the game around once more. Germany was eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage for the second time in a row despite a late fourth goal from Niclas Fullkrug. Japan leads the group with six points, Germany falls short due to goal differential, and Spain takes second place.
Also Read: Japan 2-1 Spain
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – KAI HAVERTZ (GERMANY)
Given the seismic nature of the evening, Havertz’s contribution might go unnoticed, but with a brilliant brace, he brought Germany back into the contest. Despite playing for less than 30 minutes, it wasn’t a horrible contribution.
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