Even with a defeat against Spain on Sunday night, Germany can still qualify for the World Cup knockout stages after they were given a Group E lifeline following Costa Rica’s 1-0 win against Japan.
Germany beat Spain
If Germany beat Spain and then subsequently Costa Rica on Thursday, then Germany would qualify for the Round of 16. A draw against Costa Rica would also see Die Mannschaft through, but only if the game between Spain and Japan in the final Group E fixture doesn’t end in a draw.
Germany draw against Spain
Should Germany pick up a point against Spain, then a win against Costa Rica would see them through should Luis Enrique’s side also beat Japan. In the event of a draw between Spain and Japan, Germany would need to win against Costa Rica by at least two goals. If Japan pull off another upset and beat Spain in the final game, and Germany beat Costa Rica, it would be who has the better goal difference between Spain and Germany – meaning it would likely be Spain given their 7-0 win against Costa Rica.
Germany lose against Spain
Because of Costa Rica’s 1-0 win against Japan, Germany have been given somewhat of a lifeline. Manuel Neuer and Co. can still advance even if they lose to Spain, but they would also need Spain to beat Japan and have a better goal difference, which is already the case. But if Germany lost 2-1 to Spain, beat Costa Rica 2-0 and Spain beat Japan 2-1, Germany’s goal difference would be -1 to Japan’s.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
