Fifa World Cup: Giant killers Japan scalp Spain, Germany out in group stage

Costa Rica, after conceding that first goal, did try to make a comeback with a few forward balls, in fact in the last minute of the They say lightning doesn’t really strike twice, but if that lightning is Japan, it will strike twice and scalp the biggest fish in the pool.

They have done what no other Japanese team had ever done. They have beaten two World Champions in one World Cup and have advanced to their first-ever World Cup knockouts as group leaders. This is now their second consecutive and overall fourth entry into the Round of 16. They will now play Croatia.

On the other hand, Spain, even after losing against Japan will go in as the second team from Group E. They finish on the same points as Spain, but because of a better goal difference, thanks to their record 7-0 win over Costa Rica will move forward. Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 in their last game and will have to walk out of yet another World Cup at the group stage.

Also Read: Fifa World Cup 2022: Belgium crash out; Morocco, Croatia march to last 16

The equation in this game is pretty simple. Win the match and get through. But it changes when you consider drawing or losing the game. If Spain draw, they still go through, however, if Japan plays draws, they would have to hope that Costa Rica must draw against Germany and then on goal difference, Japan march through. If Spain loses this one, even then they could go through but in that case, they would want the other game between Costa Rica and Germany to end in a draw.

It will come down to scenarios even in Germany vs Costa Rica game. If Germany wins, they would hope that Japan loses against Spain. If Japan even manages to draw the game, then Germany must win by a margin of two goals or more. For Costa Rica, it is simple as well if they win the game. If they draw and Japan loses, even then the Costa Ricans can go forward. Other than that, there are no options.

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