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      Romelu Lukaku breaks World Cup dugout with single punch as he storms down tunnel in tears after Belgium’s early exit

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      ROMELU LUKAKU destroyed the dugout with one punch following Belgium’s shock World Cup exit.Roberto Martinez’s men knew a point was unlikely to be enough in their final group-stage match against Croatia to see them through to the last-16.
      Romelu Lukaku was raging as Belgium were knocked out of the World CupCredit: BBC
      The Chelsea loanee smashed the dugout up with a single punchCredit: BBC
      He then stormed down the tunnel in an emotional stateCredit: BBC
      Thierry Henry consoled Lukaku on the side of the pitchCredit: Alamy
      And with Morocco beating Canada 2-1 in the other game in Group F, Belgium became aware they needed to find a late goal against the Croats as the contest headed for a stalemate.
      They had several good opportunities in the dying moments – including ones which fell to Lukaku – but could not find a winner, and crashed out of the World Cup as a result.
      Lukaku, who came into the tournament carrying an injury, showed his frustration after the game, punching the side of the dugout which came loose.
      He then headed down the tunnel in tears, but not before Belgium coach Thierry Henry consoled him pitchside.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      BBC pundits Didier Drogba and Alan Shearer were sympathetic with Lukaku – who attempted to save his team despite not being fully fit.
      Shearer said: “It will hurt him. He was nowhere near ready, otherwise they would have started him.
      “He gave them a focal point. His lack of game time has hurt them.”
      And Drogba added: “He is frustrated not only because he missed the goal but because of the spirit of the team during this tournament.
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      “All the talk of fights between players. This is what he will be frustrated by more than the missed chances.”
      Belgium’s squad togetherness was called into question earlier this week as reports of a dressing room row surfaced.
      They were thought to have stemmed from Kevin de Bruyne publicly stating that the squad was too old.
      Speaking to The Guardian about Belgium’s chances of winning the competition, the Man City man said: “No chance, we’re too old. I think our chance was 2018. We have a good team, but it is aging.
      “We lost some key players. We have some good new players coming, but they are not at the level other players were in 2018.
      “I see us more as outsiders.”
      Following the game, manager Roberto Martinez announced he was leaving his job. More

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      Japan 2 Spain 1 LIVE RESULT: Japan TOP Group E after inspired comeback as Spain progress despite loss

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      JAPAN have finished top of Group E at the World Cup after beating Spain.Alvaro Morata kept up his impressive goal scoring form for Spain, powering a header into the back of the net after a cross from Cesar Azpilicueta.
      However, Spain were unable to hold onto the lead as Ritsu Doan fired Japan level with an impressive goal, cutting in on his left foot to fire past Unai Simon.
      And Japan took the lead just moments later, with VAR giving the goal after the linesman deemed the ball to have been out of play in the build-up.
      Therefore, Japan qualified from Group E top of the table, with Spain finishing second despite Germany’s victory over Costa Rica.

      Kick-off time: 7pm UK
      TV channel: ITV 1 in UK
      Live stream FREE: ITV X
      Japan team: Gonda, Itakura, Yoshida, Taniguchi, Junya Ito, Morita, Tanaka, Nagatomo, Kamada, Maeda, Kubo.
      Spain team: Simon, Azpilicueta, Rodri, Pau Torres, Balde, Gavi, Busquets, Gonzalez, Williams, Morata, Olmo.
      Group E LIVE table

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      That’s all from Qatar!
      Japan have done the unthinkable and beat both Spain as well as Germany to top Group E and make it to the 2022 World Cup Last 16 where they will face Croatia.
      The Furia Roja also made it through in second place despite their 2-1 loss at the Khalifa International Stadium and will face Morocco in the knockouts.
      The Spaniards dominated the first half and opened the scoring after just 12 minutes when Cesar Azpilicueta”s cross found the unmarked Alvaro Morata who headed the ball past Suichi Gonda.
      But the Samurai Blue completed a sensation comeback in the second half – and it all started on 48 minutes.
      Ritsu Doan beat Unai Simon with a stunning long-range shot after Alejandro Balde gave the ball away.
      And Japan turned things around just three minutes later with a controversial goal.
      Kaoru Mitoma was deemed by VAR to have saved the ball from going out for a free-kick and turned it around to Ao Tanaka who scored in front of open goal.
      Japan managed to hold on, despite Spain dominating a whopping 82 per cent of possession, and thus eliminated Germany for the second World Cup in a row.
      That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great night!
      Credit: Getty
      More angles of winning goal
      Japan’s winning goal wasn’t without controversy as VAR had to intervene.
      At first, Ao Tanaka’s winner was ruled out because it was deemed the ball went over the line and it was a free-kick for Spain.
      However, VAR decided that Kaoru Mitoma managed to cross before the whole of the ball went out.
      You be the judge:

      Tanaka vs Spain
      Japan star Ao Tanaka stood out against Spain in what proved to be a historic match for his country.
      Tanaka scored the winner and was among the key players who helped the Samurai Blue complete their stunning qualification to the 2022 World Cup’s Round of 16.
      Here’s how the midfielder fared against the Furia Roja:

      So what’s next?
      Japan and Spain are through to the 2022 World Cup Last 16 and they both know their opponents.
      The Samurai Blue did the unthinkable and won Group E, which included the Furia Roja and Germany who are out of the group stage for the second time in a row.
      The Japanese are now set to face Croatia, whereas the Spaniards will clash with Morocco.
      Spain will want to bring their A game this time around as the Atlas Lions also carry a major scalp after eliminating Belgium
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Word from the ground
      Here’s what SunSport’s man on the field Jordan Davies thinks of Japan’s stunning triumph:
      Luis Enrique spent his pre-match press conference talking about permutations.
      Instead, his team left him with serious heart palpitations as Japan sprung yet another stunning World Cup upset to top Group E – and almost dump Spain OUT in the process.
      A relaxed Enrique admitted pre-match he had considered tactically trying to finish second in this group, in order to avoid Brazil and secure an “easier” route to the final.
      It ended up that way by accident, but it looked as though those plans had been tossed in the bin with a fine first half performance to leave the football purist drooling.Jordan DaviesSunSport
      Updated Group E table
      Japan did the impossible and made it out of a group that included Spain and Germany.
      And the Samurai Blue made it to the 2022 World Cup Round of 16 in style as they finished top of Group E.
      Spain follow them to the knockout stages in second place whereas Germany are eliminated in the group stage for the second consecutive World Cup.
      More below:

      Japan vs Spain stats
      Spain dominated a staggering 82 per cent of possession and still lost to Japan.
      The Furia Roja registered 12 shots, five of which were on target following a hapless second half.
      The Samurai Blue, on the other hand, produced six shots, half of which were on target.
      More below:

      FT: Japan 2-1 Spain
      Japan have picked up another major scalp in the 2022 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Spain and punched their ticket to the Last 16.
      The Furia Roja dominated the first half and opened the scoring after just 12 minutes when Cesar Azpilicueta set the unmarked Alvaro Morata up with a wonderful cross that saw the striker head it past Suichi Gonda.
      But the Samurai Blue completed a sensation comeback in the second half that started on 48 minutes.
      Ritsu Doan beat Unai Simon with a stunning long-range shot after Alejandro Balde gave the ball away and the goalkeeper couldn’t hold on to it.
      And Japan turned things around just three minutes later when Kaoru Mitoma saved the ball from going out for a free-kick and turned it around to Ao Tanaka who scored in front of open goal
      Credit: Getty
      FT: Japan 2-1 Spain
      Peep!
      That’s full-time in Qatar!
      90+5 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Chance
      Spain star Olmo tries a desperate long range shot, which lacks power and precision.
      Totally off the mark!
      90+5 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Just to make sure you’re all up to speed, if Spain score Japan are out and Germany are through.
      Two more minutes to go…
      Incredible game by Yoshida who is everywhere at the back and has kept Spain at bay almost single handed
      90+3 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Unfortunately for Germany, Spain have seriously slowed down…
      They still control possession and tempo but they aren’t doing anything with it
      90 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Seven stressful minutes of stoppage time left for Japan.
      Moriyasu’s men are so close they can taste it! But they have pulled deep!
      Spain know they aren’t getting eliminated as Germany lead 4-2 against Costa Rica
      90 Japan 2-1 Spain
      What a chance!
      Spain come extremely close to an equaliser that would make German fans explode not too far away!
      Olmo breaks from the right and tries a shot from close distance but it’s saved by Gonda
      87 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Substitution
      Japan manager Moriyasu brings on Endo who replaces the hero of the night Tanaka
      87 Japan 2-1 Spain
      As it stands, Germany need Spain to score to go through as second.
      The drama! You can’t make this up!
      85 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Uh-oh, Germany have turned things around and 3-2 up after Havertz’s second of the night!
      That means Japan are first, Spain second, Germany third and Costa Rica last
      83 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Chance
      Japan deliver a free-kick from the left and Itakura gets the header but the ball goes straight to Simon’s arms
      80 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Japan have pulled back and are defending like they did before Morata’s opener.
      Spain are the ones holding possession and pushing, something they could indeed regret…
      Germany can still win and Spain can equalise…
      78 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Spain seem to have finally found a bit of themselves from the first half.
      The Furia Roja hold on to the ball with some accurate passing, but Japan are closing spaces well and that doesn’t allow them to get that final pass through
      75 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Spain are still trying crosses from the wings but Morata is not there to use his height and jump above everyone else for the header.
      Enrique’s men will have to keep the ball low, it seems
      73 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Hold the phone!
      Germany have equalised with Havertz! Germany and Costa Rica are 2-2!
      That means Japan are first, Spain second, Costa Rica third and Germany last.
      The Costa Ricans’ joy didn’t last long
      72 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Oh my days! Wild, WILD scenes!
      Costa Rica have come back against Germany and lead 2-1 thanks to Duarte’s goal!
      That means Japan are first, Costa Rica second and Spain as well as Germany are out!
      70 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Chance
      Another explosive counter-attack by Japan, Mitoma delivers a low cross from the left and Doan tries a sliding shot but misses the target
      68 Japan 2-1 Spain
      Substitution
      Japan manager Moriyasu responds with a change of his own as Arsenal’s Tomiyasu comes on for Kamada
      Load more entries… More

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      World Cup 2022 – England vs Senegal: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for huge last-16 match-up

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      ENGLAND face a huge test as they look to get through to the World Cup quarter-finals – when they face Senegal in the last 16.Gareth Southgate’s side could face extra time and penalties if they cannot see off the African nation in 90 minutes.
      Phil Foden celebrates scoring England’s second goal against WalesCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions topped Group B after comfortably beating Wales 3-0 on Tuesday evening.
      Marcus Rashford grabbed himself a brace and Phil Foden scored the other on a glorious night for manager Gareth Southgate.
      England had drawn 0-0 with USA in a tame affair last week, having thrashed Iran 6-2 just days earlier in their opener.
      But now Southgate’s side must focus on the knockout stages, where they’ll face AFCON 2022 champions Senegal.
      The Lions of Teranga came second in Group A, which also contained Holland, Qatar and Ecuador.

      Senegal had to beat Ecuador in their final group game and they did so thanks to Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly’s late winner.
      England’s clash with Senegal will be the first ever between the two sides.
      When is England vs Senegal?

      England’s World Cup last-16 clash with Senegal will take place on Sunday, December 4.
      The match will get underway from 7pm UK time.
      England vs Senegal will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.
      The stadium holds just under 70,000 fans and played host to England’s 0-0 draw with USA.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      England vs Senegal will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Coverage of the game will get going from 6pm GMT.

      Can I watch for FREE?

      Yes, you can watch England vs Senegal for FREE, so long as you have a TV licence.

      Most read in SPORT
      Team news
      England are set to have a fully fit squad for their last-16 match-up with Senegal.
      Southgate, however, may decide to hand Marcus Rashford a start following his brilliant performance in the win over Wales.
      Foden also impressed, but Bukayo Saka could come back into the side, as could Mason Mount, who dropped to the bench in favour of Jordan Henderson on Tuesday night.
      England boss Gareth Southgate made four subs in the win over WalesCredit: Getty
      Kieran Tripper may also come back into the XI alongside Kyle Walker, but that would most likely see England’s system change from a 4-3-3 to one that favours five at the back.
      Senegal will also have a mostly fit squad, which includes Chelsea duo Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
      But superstar Sadio Mane will be OUT of the game, as he recovers from knee surgery.
      Read More on The Sun
      Odds

      England – 1/2
      Draw – 29/10
      Senegal – 6/1
      England to qualify – 1/5
      Senegal to qualify – 7/2

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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      Ghana boss DEFENDS Luis Suarez’s outrageous 2010 World Cup handball and ‘expects’ his players to do same if needed

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      GHANA’S Otto Addo has defended Luis Suarez’s infamous 2010 handball against them – and says he would expect his side to do the same against Uruguay.The African nation, who have four points from two games after the win over South Korea, will be out for revenge against Uruguay, who only have one going into their now must-win last group game tomorrow.
      Ghana’s coach Otto Addo has defended Luis Suarez over his famous handball against themCredit: AFP
      The Uruguayan was sent-off after denying Ghana a goal in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finalCredit: AFP
      The sides faced off in the quarter final back in 2010 during the World Cup in South Africa, and a rivalry was born.
      Sulley Muntari put Ghana ahead only for Uruguay to equalise through Diego Forlan to send the match to extra time.
      With penalties looming as the score remained level, Ghana were putting on the pressure and came close to scoring in the final minute of the match only for Suarez to punch the ball off the line.
      He was instantly sent-off as the referee awarded a penalty – but Asamoah Gyan blew his country’s semi-final dream by blasting over.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      If that was not bad enough, Suarez was still on the touchline watching on and burst into wild celebration as the game went to a shoot-out – which was eventually won by Uruguay.
      That made him public enemy No.1 in Ghana – although Suarez showed no remorse for his actions when quizzed about it in the pre-match press conference.
      However, now Ghana coach Addo has claimed the much-maligned forward had sacrificed himself for his team-mates and claimed his actions are “normal”.
      And he added that he would expect his side to do all they can to qualify for the knock-out stages.
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      Addo said: “In general it is about perspective, if the same incident would have happened the other way around and Ghana proceeded to the semi-finals, everyone would say it is normal that a player would do anything he can to help his team go to the semi-finals.
      “For me, it’s not a big topic. This is what I wish from every player, to do all he can to help his team qualify. Sometimes even sacrificing himself with a red card.
      “It was a very sad day for me, I watched it and I was sad, but this is my perspective.
      “If I see it from another perspective, it is a normal thing.” More

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      Tearful Roberto Martinez reveals he’s LEAVING Belgium job after dismal World Cup sees them knocked out in group stage

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      ROBERTO MARTINEZ sensationally announced he was quitting as Belgium boss after they were dumped out of the World Cup. Belgium failed to make it out of the group stage after drawing 0-0 with beaten 2018 finalists Croatia.
      Roberto Martinez confirmed he has managed his last game as Belgium bossCredit: Alamy
      Looking emotional in his post-match press conference, he said: “That was my last game with the national team.”
      Former Wigan and Everton boss Martinez had been in charge of the Belgium national team since the summer of 2016.
      Under his leadership the Red Devils made it to the semi-final of the World Cup in 2018 before losing out to eventual winners France.
      Martinez, 49, has overseen Belgium’s so-called “Golden Generation.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      The team have been ranked as the No1 team in World football for much of Martinez’s tenure, and currently sit behind only Brazil in the rankings.

      However, that has not stopped them from crashing out of the group stage in Qatar.
      Their World Cup got off to a winning start with a 1-0 over Canada, despite a below par performance.
      But they were then beaten 2-0 by Morocco before a 0-0 draw with Croatia sealed their fate.
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      Following the defeat to Morocco, sensational reports emerged suggesting star players Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Jan Vertonghen had to be separated after a heated altercation in the dressing room.
      Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois denied the reports, and warned that the person who leaked the information would not play for the national team again.
      They then showed a unified front ahead of their clash against Croatia, huddling in a circle in a show of solidarity. More

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      Senegal slapped with £8,700 fine for breaching Fifa rules ahead of World Cup last-16 clash against England

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      SENEGAL have been fined £8,700 for breaking Fifa rules ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash with England.Aliou Cisse’s men booked themselves a tie with the Three Lions on Sunday after beating Ecuador 2-1 in their final group game.
      Aliou Cisse’s Senegal have been punished by Fifa for failing to provide a player for pre-match media dutiesCredit: AP
      England’s last-16 World Cup opponents have been fined £8,700Credit: Getty
      But they found themselves in hot water with football’s governing body following due to their actions before the match.
      The charge was due to boss Cisse attending his pre-match press conference WITHOUT a player from his squad.
      Fifa rules dictate that the day before a game every team must conduct a presser in one of two press conference rooms at the main media centre.
      The team’s head coach must attend, along with one player from his squad.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      And now the Senegalese Football Federation has been hit in the pocket.
      A Fifa statement confirmed: “The Fifa Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Senegalese Football Federation with a fine in the amount of CHF 10,000 and a warning for breaches of article 44 of the Regulations for the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022™, article 2.7.2 of the Media and Marketing Regulations and article 8.5.3 of the Team Handbook.
      “The potential breaches relate to the mandatory press conference that took place on 28 November ahead of the Ecuador v. Senegal Fifa World Cup™ match.”
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      Before their first two games, Cisse went to the press conferences with Krepin Diatta and Kalidou Koulibaly respectively.
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      But ahead of the Ecuador clash he opted to come alone – defying the Fifa regulations.
       Germany were hit with an £8,800 penalty for the same offence before their draw with Spain.
      German head coach Hansi Flick claimed he did not bring a player with him to the press conference because his squad are based in the north of Qatar.
      And he did not want to force an individual to make the three-hour round trip to the media centre the day before their huge match. More

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      First Belgium now France squad is ‘SPLIT with team-mates divided over Benjamin Pavard’s poor World Cup performances’

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      FRANCE players are divided over Benjamin Pavard’s disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup, reports suggest.That is according to L’Equipe, who claim Pavard’s poor display in Les Bleus’ opener against Australia caused frustration among his team-mates.
      France are reportedly divided over Benjamin Pavard’s World Cup performancesCredit: Getty
      The Bayern Munich right-back was at fault for the Socceroo’s opening goal as he failed to track Graig Goodwin’s run into the box but the reigning world champions turned it around and won 4-1.
      Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele was reportedly among those who were “railing against” the 26-year-old.
      However, the full-back has received the backing of some of his veteran team-mates, such as captain Hugo Lloris and France’s joint-all time top scorer Olivier Giroud.
      Thus, opinion is divided regarding Pavard’s performances and position in Didier Deschamps’ team.
      Read More on World Cup
      Deschamps also had some “harsh words” for the defender in the debriefing after the win over Australia.
      Pavard hasn’t started for the Tricolores since as he was replaced by Jules Kounde against Denmark and Axel Disasi against Tunisia.
      The French tactician claimed he left the ex-Stuttgart star out of his line-up against the Tunisians because he wasn’t in the “right disposition”.
      Deschamps said: “I took the decision not to play him, I won’t go into the details.
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      France ace Benjamin Pavard has been criticised but also has supportCredit: Reuters
      ‘I’ve had several conversations with him. I don’t consider him to be in the right disposition. So you’ll ask me – is it physical, is it in his head?
      “The first match didn’t help, of course. That’s why I made a different choice.”
      This comes after sensational reports suggesting fellow World Cup favourites Belgium are divided and “on the verge of implosion”.
      The Belgians have struggled in Qatar as they kicked things off with a stressful 1-0 victory over Canada before it all reportedly exploded after their shock 2-0 loss to Morocco.
      It was claimed that Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen and Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne had a heated altercation in the dressing room after the Morocco game and had to be separated.
      Bayern Munich ace Benjamin Pavard was left out of France’s last two gamesCredit: Rex
      Dries Mertens’ wife Kat Kerkhofs also claimed there was a “really awkward” barbecue the next day while other reports suggest a crisis meeting was held.
      However, ex-Chelsea star Hazard denied rumours of a backstage altercation.
      Belgium manager Roberto Martinez also poured cold water on those reports claiming his team has fallen victim of French dirty tricks aimed at destabilising their World Cup bid.
      Martinez said: “A World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and there are many World Cups getting played and you could see maybe a country like France did a very good job with a story that became the main topic of conversation in Belgium.
      “What is clear is whoever has come up with it has scored an own goal for Belgium. Whoever has done it is genius. If I was an opposition journalist who could weaken an opponent I would do it.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It showed you that there is maybe more desire to find negative news around this team than really get this nation together and support this team and enjoy the talent of the best generation we have ever had in Belgium football.
      “And probably that was a lesson for all of us – that we are here on our own and we are here to fight for what we believe is the way we want to play and hopefully the fans – real fans – of the red devils can enjoy the process.” More

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      Costa Rica vs Germany: TV channel, live stream, team news and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group E contest

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      COSTA RICA take on four-time World Cup winners Germany in their final match of Group E – and the 2014 winners still have a chance of getting through.Germany currently sit rock-bottom of the group having lost their opening match against Japan before drawing with Spain.
      Niclas Fullkrug’s late strike earned Germany a point against SpainCredit: Getty
      But the European giants can still qualify should they beat Costa Rica in their final group encounter.
      However, Germany will need a huge favour from Spain when they take on second-place Japan in the other fixture.
      And Costa Rica will be no push overs as a win for them could also see them secure a last-16 spot.
      It’s all still to play for in Group E.
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      When is Costa Rica vs Germany

      Costa Rica’s clash with Germany will take place TOMORROW – Thursday, December 1.
      The game will kick off from 7pm UK time.
      Costa Rica vs Germany will be held at the Al-Bayt stadium in Al Khor.
      The two sides have played each other once before – at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and the game finished 4-2 to the Germans.

      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Costa Rica vs Germany will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which can be download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes, you can! The match is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a TV licence.
      What is the team news?
      Defender Francisco Calvo is suspended for Costa Rica but Germany have a clean bill of health and no suspensions for this massive match.
      Most read in Football
      What are the odds?
      Costa Rica victory 25/1
      Draw 10/1
      Germany win 1/10
      Odds courtesy of Betfair correct as of December 1 More