Xuenou > Podcasts > Spain and Germany both at risk of World Cup elimination after Costa Rica beat Japan
Spain and Germany both at risk of World Cup elimination after Costa Rica beat Japan
Spain and Germany both at risk of World Cup elimination after Costa Rica beat Japan,Spain and Germany were both tipped to exit Group E with minimal hassle, but both of the European juggernauts could be at risk of an early exit from the World Cup

Spain and Germany both at risk of World Cup elimination after Costa Rica beat Japan

Costa Rica’s surprise 1-0 victory over Japan has put both Spain and Germany at risk of elimination from the World Cup.

Keysher Fuller’s late curling strike secured a tournament saving three points for the Central Americans, who looked to be down and out when they were humiliated 7-0 by the Spaniards. Their win over the Asian giants is even more surprising, considering they came from behind to overcome Hansi Flick’s side 2-1 in their first match.

However, the result has added even more emphasis on Spain’s clash with Germany this evening. That is because all four sides in the group could wake up tomorrow with an equal chance of going into the knockout stages or on the first flight back home.

Read More: Fans want Michael Oliver given MBE after 'ending worst half of World Cup football' early

Keysher Fuller secured an unlikely victory for Costa Rica
Keysher Fuller secured an unlikely victory for Costa Rica (Image: Francisco Seco/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

As it stands, Spain, Costa Rica, and Japan are all on three points at this current moment. Of course, Spain’s superior goal difference of +7 is significantly better than that of Japan (0) and Costa Rica (-6).

However, if Germany are able to beat Luis Enrique’s slick side, all four teams will be on three points heading into the final contest. That means, if Japan are able to do to Spain what they did to Germany, and Costa Rica shock Germany in the final match, then the two underdogs will both advance into the knockout stages.

Of course, that extraordinary situation is only a huge “if” at this current moment. However, it is still very feasible.

Do you think Spain and Germany are at risk of tumbling out of the competition? Let us know in the comments section below

Germany will likely need to beat Spain if they are to get into the knockout stages
Germany will likely need to beat Spain if they are to get into the knockout stages (Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Spain are not out of the woods yet, as they will likely need to beat Germany to ensure they are not dragged into a nail biting situation
Spain are not out of the woods yet, as they will likely need to beat Germany to ensure they are not dragged into a nail biting situation (Image: Getty Images)

Spain are now many people’s favourites to win the competition after their ruthless display against Costa Rica. However, their tournament form ever since they lifted the trophy in 2010 has been inconsistent at best.

They failed to qualify for the knockout stages in 2014 and they only just stumbled their way into the last 16 in 2018, before getting knocked out on penalties by hosts Russia. Moreover, Germany will almost certainly be demanding a reaction so they do not face the same fate as they did in Russia.

Mexico and South Korea both dealt shocking losses to Germany in the last World Cup, as Germany became the third reigning champions in a row to be knocked out in the group stages.

Read Next:

  • Costa Rica ace starring at World Cup weeks after getting bus home from Sunderland games

  • Cristiano Ronaldo puts Man Utd drama behind him by taking Portugal team-mates for dinner

  • World Cup-winning captain took phone from Hernan Crespo and cried to Diego Maradona