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

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    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.

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    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

    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.

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