Germany suffered a second consecutive World Cup group-stage exit despite a 4-2 win over Costa Rica on another night of sensational drama in Qatar.
After collecting just one point from their opening two games in Group E, Germany knew only a victory at Al Bayt Stadium would give them any chance of progressing to the knockout stage.
But despite securing the result they needed, Japan’s somewhat controversial 2-1 win over Spain meant Hansi Flick’s side exited the tournament on goal difference.
Serge Gnabry’s early header (10) appeared to have set Germany on the way to a comfortable three points, but second-half goals from Yeltsin Tejeda (58) and Juan Pablo Vargas (70) sensationally put Costa Rica in pole position to qualify for the last 16 and raised the incredible possibility of both Germany and Spain going out.
But the drama did not end there. Germany substitute Kai Havertz turned the game on its head again with a well-taken double (73 & 85), before Niclas Fullkrug made it 4-2 in the 89th minute.
The victory was not enough though and the four-time World Cup winners exit at the group stage for the second time in a row.
Thursday night’s results mean Group E winners Japan will face Group F runners-up Croatia in the last 16, while Group E runners-up Spain will play Group F winners Morocco.
Sky Sports
