Germany were knocked out in the FIFA World Cup (WC) group stage for the second successive tournament despite beating Costa Rica 4-2 as Group E came to a captivating close.
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Soon after, Spain took the lead in the group’s other game through Álvaro Morata, a goal which took Germany up to second place and in position to progress to the Round of 16.
Soon after the restart, Japan netted two quick goals against Spain to move ahead, leaving Germany’s campaign on the brink.
Needing six more strikes, Flick introduced Niclas Füllkrug, however, it was Costa Rica who instead netted the next goal – Yeltsin Tejeda reacting first to Neuer’s brilliant save from Joel Campbell to prod home.
Germany almost found a quick response via Musiala, but his effort hit the post, before Antonio Rüdiger struck the woodwork from less than six yards.
In another barely believable twist, Juan Vargas poked home from close range to not only put Los Ticos ahead but also potentially send both Germany and Spain out of the tournament.
Havertz then bagged his second as the game approached its climax, calmly putting Gnabry’s cross into the corner, before Füllkrug put the win beyond doubt in the last minute of normal time.
