GERMANY are OUT of the World Cup despite victory over Costa Rica, with Kai Havertz netting a brace.
Former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry did well to meet a cross from the left and head his side into an early lead.
However, Costa Rica pulled level in the second-half through Yeltsin Tejeda and soon a fter found the goal to put them ahead through Juan Pablo Vargas.
Substitute Havertz netted twice to give his side the lead before Niclas Fullkrug netted a fourth.
However, with Japan beating Spain in the other game, the Germans have crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage.
- Kick-off time: 7pm GMT
- Live stream: ITV X
- TV channel: ITV 4
- Group E: LIVE TABLE
- Costa Rica XI: Navas, Duarte, Waston, Vargas, Fuller, Borges, Tejeda, Oviedo, Aguilera, Venegas, Campbell
- Germany XI: Neuer, Kimmich, Sule, Rudiger, Raum, Goretzka, Gundogan, Musiala, Sane, Muller, Gnabry
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Goodnight from Al Bayt Stadium
And goodbye to Costa Rica and Germany.
The two countries played out a topsy-turvy thriller that swung one way and then the other, but ultimately ended with both eliminated from Qatar 2022.
It was yet further evidence of the exciting finales that the eight group, four-team format can throw up. The memo to FIFA is if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
There will be two final opportunities tomorrow for group stage chaos as the teams drawn in G and H take to the field – and you can follow all the action with us here at SunSport.
Until then, thanks for joining us and farewell.
Extra! Read all about it!
Our man at the ground, Martin Blackburn, has attempted to make sense of another thrilling night of World Cup football that has ended with the 2014 champions being dumped out of the competition.
Relieve all of the drama with his match report of Germany’s 4-2 win in vain over Costa Rica at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Japan’s sensational victory over Spain meant Hansi Flick’s men missed out on second place on goal difference despite their first win of the tournament – and Germany were forced to play out the final few minutes of this one knowing there was little they could do to save themselves.
Martin Blackburn
Where are the Germans?
To paraphrase the great Barry Davies.
The answer this evening is out of the World Cup, and for the second tournament running that’s occurred at the group stage.
Credit: @OptaFranz Twitter
Match stats from Al Bayt Stadium
Thirty-two shots and out. It’s auf wiedersehen to Germany.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica won their first (and only) corner of a tournament in which they scored three goals.
The final standings in Group E
And breathe.
After another non-stop night of thrills, spills and heartache, this is how Group E has finished.
Despite defeat to Costa Rica, Japan’s come-from-behind wins against Spain and Germany takes them through as group winners.
With them into the Last 16 are Spain, who edge out Germany on goal difference mainly thanks to their 7-0 victory against Costa Rica on matchday one.
All four nations were going through at some point in the night, but it’s Los Ticos and Die Mannschaft that are going home.
Credit: FIFA.com Full time – Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
The final whistle goes, and for the second World Cup in succession, Germany go out at the group stage.
Hansi Flick’s team did their bit tonight – albeit the hard way – but pay the price for their slack showings, particularly against Japan in the opening game.
For a moment in the second half, it looked as though the ultimate shock was on as two Costa Rica goals meant Spain were joining Germany on the plane home.
However, goals from substitutes Kai Havertz and Niclas Fullkrug turned the game back in Germany’s favour. Just not the tournament.
It’s another astonishing night of World Cup football – and another reminder that FIFA’s decision to change the format going forward is another bonkers decision fulled by money and not a love of the game.
Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
90+9. The table has been shown on the big screen inside the Al Bayt Stadium, and it has prompted some Germany fans to head for the exit!
They’re not even waiting for the full time whistle here!
Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
90+8. It’s all over at the Khalifa International Stadium where Japan have beaten Spain 2-1!
Germany are out of the World Cup!
Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
90+7. Musiala looks certain to end the evening with the goal he deserves after being sent through on goal.
However, out of nowhere, Salas gets back to poke behind for a corner.
Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
90+4. Germany are pushing for more, but it doesn’t really matter.
A late push of the hand stops Havertz from completing his hat-trick.
The Chelsea man has really impressed as a second half substitute.
Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
90. If anyone cares, there will be ten minutes of stoppage time here.
The Germany fans and players will be more interested to know that there are an extra seven minutes to be played in the other game.
Germany need Spain to score.
Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
89. Now Niclas Fullkrug has his goal – eventually!
The German substitute knees in from close range following Kai Havertz’s chest down, but his celebrations – if you can call them that – are initially halted by an offside flag.
Eventually, VAR signal that the goal stands but via an intermediary as referee Stephanie Frappart’s headset appears broken.
It’s another goal at the World Cup for the giant striker. It’s just a shame that it will mean little to him in the long run.
Fullkrug makes it four!
Costa Rica 2-3 Germany
87. Those in the stadium are now more concerned with matters in the other game, and it seems it’s the case for the players too.
It’s being passed around well by the Germans, but without any real desire.
Costa Rica know they are beaten too at this point.
Costa Rica 2-3 Germany
85. Now Germany lead! And it’s the super sub Kai Havertz once again!
The Chelsea man arrives late at the far post to convert Serge Gnabry’s pinpoint low cross from the right.
It’s a second for Havertz, and a third for Germany, but they need another goal – and they need Spain to score it!
Havertz at the double!
Costa Rica 2-2 Germany
81. Costa Rica know the score – literally and figuratively.
They are starting to throw numbers forward when the opportunity arises.
There’s almost certainly going to be another goal in this one as it enters its final minutes, but what way will it go?
Costa Rica 2-2 Germany
80. Into the final ten minutes, and Germany are battling a lost cause because of the scoreline in the group’s other game.
By my calculation, there only hope is to score seven to make it through.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, need just one.
Costa Rica 2-2 Germany
78. Rudiger goes up for Germany’s 13th corner, and it’s unlucky for him.
The Real Madrid defender gets himself on the end of the inswinger, but barges his connection a yard wide.
Costa Rica 2-2 Germany
76. What a save from Keylor Navas!
The Costa Rica goalkeeper throws himself in front of Niclas Fullkrug’s shot to deny the substitute from close range.
It stemmed from a lovely flowing move down the left involving Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala.
Costa Rica 2-2 Germany
73. Kai Havertz equalises for Germany! And now it’s Costa Rica’s team to experience heartache!
The Chelsea man swivels smartly inside the box to make space, and plants his shot past Keylor Navas into the bottom left corner.
The substitute’s goal doesn’t do much for his own country’s chances of progression, but it sure helps Spain out.
Level again!
Costa Rica 2-1 Germany
71. As it stands, both Germany and Spain are going out!
Costa Rica 2-1 Germany
70. It’s absolutely astonishing!
Juan Pablo Vargas gets his big toe on the end of a goalmouth scramble to poke Costa Rica in front!
A free-kick into the penalty area causes chaos, and after Manuel Neuer and his defence failed to clear, the Costa Rican reacted to divert in.
The stadium is stunned as the ball nestles in the back of the net before an explosion of joy from the Costa Rica bench.
IT’S UNBELIEVABLE!
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
