Too little, too late for Germany after group stage exit despite win

Germany failed to qualify from their group at the 2022 FIFA World Cup despite a 4-2 win over Costa Rica in their final group match. Die Mannschaft failed to make it out of the group stage in successive editions of the FIFA World Cup after Japan stunned Spain in the other group game.

After losing their opener to Japan and holding Spain to a 1-1 draw in their second game, Hansi Flick’s Germany knew that they needed a win over the CONCACAF side to stand a chance to qualify for the knockout stages.

Germany took the lead in the match through Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry after only ten minutes of the game. The forward headed home a precise cross from David Raum to give his side the start they needed.

Die Mannschaft retained control of the match and created several openings but failed to double their advantage. With half-time approaching, they faced their first real test of the match as two errors in quick succession from Raum and Antonio Rudiger sent Keysher Fuller through on goal, but the Costa Rican’s effort was palmed over by Manuel Neuer.

Germany received a rude shock as the minnows found a leveler two minutes short of the hour mark. Neuer failed to hold onto a Kendall Waston header, allowing Yeltsin Tejeda to fire home the rebound.

Costa Rica completed the turnaround momentarily as Neuer conceded an own goal in the 70th minute. The goalkeeper, unfortunately, turned an effort from Juan Pablo Vargas into his own net to give Costa Rica the lead.

It took only three minutes for Germany to equalise as substitute Kai Havertz got on the end of a flick from Niclas Fullkrug before dinking the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper. The Chelsea man was not done, as he soon doubled his tally and gave his side the lead after 85 minutes. He turned in a cross from Gnabry at the far post for his second of the tournament.

Germany continued to push for more goals and were rewarded in the 90th minute as Fullkrug turned home a square ball from Leroy Sane from close range.

Despite claiming an impressive win, Germany failed to make it out of their group after Japan defeated Spain in their clash. They were joined by Costa Rica in leaving Qatar early and failed to qualify for only the second time in their history, the first being in 2018.