Spain has drawn against Germany (1-1) and Luis Enrique’s team continues to lead group E of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The win against Costa Rica (7-0) plays very much in favor of the Spanish team, which has a ‘ positive goal average’ of +7 goals.
VAR saved Spain from the first of Germany, which would have revolutionized the game completely. The Real Madrid footballer Antonio Rüdiger finished off a lateral free kick that was clearly offside. In the second half, Morata put the Spanish ahead on 62′. Füllkrug leveled the match at 83′.
A draw against Japan secures the round of 16
To get a ticket to the round of 16 without depending on anyone, Spain needs at least a draw against Japan. In this scenario, it would be completely inconsequential what happens in the Costa Rica-Germany to move on to the next phase. Of course, in the event that Spain does not pass the tables with the Japanese, to ensure first place they would need Costa Rica not to beat Germany, since the Costa Ricans would add six points if they beat the Germans and La Roja would stay with five. Japan would have the same, but would be left out due to goal difference.
Of courseIf Spain beats the Asian team, it will be first without the need to be conditioned by the result of the other match. It should be remembered that the classification is governed by these four conditions and in the following order: total points, goal difference for-against, goals scored and direct confrontation. Therefore, even in the event of a tie on points between Spain and Costa Rica, the latter should achieve a win against Germany that seems impossible.
And if Spain loses to Japan?
With the draw against Germany, Spain leads group E with 4 points. Therefore, a defeat against Japan would mean a ticket to the round of 16 for the Japanese -currently with 3 points-.
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The other ticket would be disputed between Costa Rica, Germany and Spain: if Germany beats Costa Rica, the ‘goal average‘. Spain starts with a +7 in goals and Germany, with a -1, so the Germans would need a scandalous win against Costa Rica and it would also be good for them if Spain lost by a lot of difference with Japan.
If Costa Rica wins against Germany, they would add 6 points, so Spain would be left out if they did not add any against Japan. And in the event of a draw between Costa Rica and Germany and a Spanish defeat, the goal difference between Costa Rica and Spain would again come into play, so the Central American team would also need Spain to suffer a heart-stopping rout.