World Cup LIVE – Spain vs Japan conspiracy emerges with Germany out

Morocco fans celebrate reaching World Cup last 16

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Friday’s World Cup action marks the end of an exhilarating group stage that has already witnessed several shock results, VAR controversy and giants like Belgium and Germany dumped out. But there is still time for more drama, with Brazil and Portugal among the teams taking to the pitch before the knockouts commence.

The world is still reeling from Germany’s exit on Thursday after Japan’s eyebrow-raising 2-1 win against Spain, with local media blasting Hansi Flick’s side. A conspiracy theory has emerged from Spain vs Japan, which will undoubtedly sting German hearts further.

Brazil and Portugal won’t suffer the same fate, already securing safe passage into the last 16, but they are vying to seal top spot against Cameroon and South Korea, respectively. Away from Brazil in Group G, Serbia face Switzerland knowing a win would see them leapfrog their European rivals into second.

In Group H, Ghana only need a draw against Uruguay to knock out Luis Suarez and co and gain retribution for their 2010 demise. Express Sport brings you all the latest news, team news and reaction from Qatar as the 2022 World Cup enters the business end.

Follow below for LIVE updates…

Local press blast Germany’s exit

Germany have been blasted by local press after being dumped out of the group stage again.

Japan’s 2-1 win over Spain sealed Hansi Flick’s side’s fate in Group E, and they have been on the receiving end of criticism this morning.

A Bild headline read: “How embarrassing! We’re out!”

Football magazine Kicker stated: “Only a 10-2 win would have helped. Germany crash out in the World Cup group stage again.”

Meanwhile, a snippet from Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung lamented: “German football is at rock bottom again, four years after a historic first-round exit.”

Spain vs Japan conspiracy

Before Spain vs Japan last night, German outlet Bild reported the two nations had recently partnered up in youth football, women’s football and referee training.

In a heavily suggestive article, they suggested that a Japan win would benefit Spain by sending them into a more favourable side of the World Cup knockout stage draw.

Lo and behold, Japan claimed their latest shock result, fighting back from a goal down to win 2-1.

Plenty of German fans have taken to social media to accuse Japan and Spain of conspiring against Hansi Flick’s side.

But Germany simply didn’t do enough to progress for the second successive World Cup.

FULL STORY

Morning!

Good morning!

Another day on the calendar means more World Cup action!

The group stage comes to a close today, with Brazil and Portugal rounding off the action and finalising the last-16 line-up.

Stay tuned for regular updates throughout your Friday!

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