Costa Rica vs Germany Highlights: Germany crash out despite 4-2 win against Costa Rica

A heartbreaking end for European powerhouse Germany as they crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in the group stage on Friday. It was their second successive group stage exit after suffering a similar fate in the last edition in Russia. Germany registered a thrilling 4-2 win against Costa Rica in their last group game, but it was not enough for them to progress further, finishing a disappointing third in Group E.

Japan staged their second stunning turnaround of the World Cup when they beat 2010 champions Spain 2-1 on Thursday with two quick-fire goals and advanced to the last 16 along with their beaten opponents. Japan will face Croatia in the last 16 while Spain will meet Morocco.

Japan finish on top!

Heartbreak for Germany!

FT - It's all over! Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2, but fail to qualify for the last 16 stage on goal difference

Germany were knocked out of the World Cup in the group stage for a second consecutive time despite a 4-2 win over Costa Rica on Thursday after the four-times champions were consigned to third in Group E following Japan's victory over Spain. Costa Rica deployed a five-man backline but Germany still found a way through in the 10th minute when David Raum floated in a cross that was headed home by Serge Gnabry, who restarted the game quickly fearing goal difference being a factor. But after learning that Japan were leading Spain in the other group game, Germany let their guard down and Costa Rica scored twice with Yeltsin Tejeda arriving late to score the first before Juan Pablo Vargas bundled a second over the line. Germany's Kai Havertz grabbed a brace after coming on as a substitute to seal the three points before Niclas Fuellkrug added a fourth late in the game but the final results left Japan at the top of the group while Spain finished second.

UPDATE: Japan beat Spain 2-1 to top Group E. Both the teams qualify for the last 16. This means Germany and Costa Rica are out.

Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka earned Japan a stunning 2-1 victory over Spain 2-1 in World Cup Group E on Thursday as both teams reached the last 16. Japan topped the standings and will face Croatia next while Spain, who finished level with Germany on four points, advanced on a goal difference and will play Morocco. Striker Alvaro Morata put Spain ahead in the 12th minute when he headed home Cesar Azpilicueta's cross for his third goal in three World Cup games. Japan levelled three minutes into the second half through winger Doan who slotted home from just outside the penalty area and midfielder Tanaka scored the winner in the 51st minute, the goal confirmed after a lengthy VAR check.

96' - Fullkrug heads it just over the Costa Rica crossbar from a close range

* Germany still need Spain's help to qualify. A Japan win will end Germany's campaign despite the victory over Costa Rica.

90' - 10 minutes added as stoppage time

89' - GOALL! Niclas Fullkrug puts the ball into the Costa Rica net, but the flag is up. VAR check on. Verdict in: It's a GOAL!!!

86' - SAVE! Costa Rica keeper Navas makes a good save to deny Havertz his hat-trick

85' - GOAL!!! Kai Havertz scores his second to put Germany back in the lead

Second goal for Havertz. Gnabry curled an inviting cross from the right towards the back of the box. Havertz rushed onto the cross and slammed it into the bottom corner past Costa Rica keeper Navas.

84' - Another good run from Jamal Musiala inside the Costa Rica box, but again the final shot is wayward -- well over the crossbar.

81' - As it stands, Japan and Spain are progressing from the group. Costa Rica will go ahead of Japan with a win here.

79' - Germany with a couple of good moves into the Costa Rica box in the last few minutes, but without much success.

76' - YELLOW CARD! Costa Rica's Oscar Duarte is booked

74' - SUBSTITUTION! Double change for Costa Rica: Jewison Bennette and Ronald Matarrita replace Keysher Fuller and Johan Venegas

73' - GOAL!! Substitute Kai Havertz scores the equaliser for Germany

It's not over yet. Havertz came on as a substitute and made an instant impact. In a one-on-one situation with Navas inside the box, Havertz directed the ball past the goalkeeper from a close range.

70' - GOAL!!! Juan Pablo Vargas scores to put Costa Rica in the lead. VAR check on. It's a goal!

Costa Rica are in the lead. Costa Rica won a free kick. Campbell lofted a high ball into the box. Waston headed it back across goal and fell for Vargas, who poked it past Germany keeper Neuer with an outstretched boot.

67' - OFF THE POST! Jamal Musiala hits the Costa Rica post again. What a strike from the edge of the box, but is very unlucky to miss it by inches.