The Germans breathe more relieved after the surprising victory of Costa Rica against Japan
Hansi Flick’s men, however, would be on the ropes if they don’t score tonight against Spain
After Costa Rica’s surprising victory over Japan (0-1) this Sunday morning, Group E of the Qatar 2022 World Cup has taken an unexpected turn. Germany breathes a sigh of relief and whatever happens tonight against Spain in Al-Khor, She will arrive alive on the third and decisive day. Of course, a KO against La Roja would leave the four-time world champion on the ropes.
The prognosis against Spain
Germany is, right now, bottom of Group E with zero points after losing against all odds against the ‘samurais’ by 1-2 in the first matchday. If Flick’s men beat Spain, it will happen that all the teams in the group -Germany, Spain, Japan and Costa Rica- will add the same points. The order in the classification will depend on the goal difference, the first tie-breaker. At the moment, the Teutons are at -1.
A draw would keep Germany last in the group and they would need to beat Costa Rica on the last day (with the worst goal-average, -6) to add 4 points. With first place already mathematically impossible, it would be convenient for Spain to score points against Japan to qualify second.
If Germany loses against Luis Enrique’s men, their qualifying options would be minimal. The most they could add is three points and at least they would have -2 on goal difference before facing the last game. They would need to thrash the ‘ticos’ and all their options would go through a comfortable victory for Spain over Japan (currently with 0 goal-average) to overcome the Japanese.