Germany was eliminated again in the preliminary round of a World Cup. As in 2018 in Russia, the 2014 world champion is out after the preliminary round. Hansi Flick’s team was able to win their game against Costa Rica 4-2 (1-0). In the parallel game, however, Japan surprisingly beat Spain 2-1, who have a significantly better goal difference than Germany. So Japan and Spain advance to the round of 16.
It all started so well.
Serge Gnabry had already shot Germany in front with a header in the 10th minute. Flick’s team had numerous great chances to score in the first half, but they didn’t take them and ultimately have to thank keeper Manuel Neuer for not being 1-1 at the break. He held the only big opportunity for the Costa Ricans in a world class way. This was preceded by a big blunder by David Raum and Antonio Rüdiger, which meant that Keysher Fuller suddenly appeared free in front of Neuer. However, the goalkeeper was able to deflect his shot over the crossbar.
After the break, Germany gave up the game and looked nervous. Costa Rica scored a well-deserved equalizer via Yeltsin Tejeda in the 58th minute. The Germans then ran, only Musiala hit the post twice. But again it was Costa Rica that scored. Pablo Vargas made it 2-1 in the 69th minute. Just three minutes later, the strong substitute Kai Havertz equalized again for Germany. It was he who scored the important 3:2 in the 85th minute. Niclas Füllkrug, who also came onto the field, made it 4-2 for the DFB-Elf in the 88th minute.
But it was all in vain, because in the important parallel game, Spain surprisingly lost 2-1 to Japan. In the meantime, Luis Enrique’s team was on the brink of being eliminated when the Costa Ricans led against Germany. With the victory of the DFB-Elf, however, a defeat is enough for Spain for second place in the group.
