What Germany need to qualify for World Cup round of 16: all possible outcomes

You can follow the live action of the crucial game between Costa Rica and Germany on As.com.

Having picked up just one point from their first two Group E games, Germany must beat Costa Rica if they’re to stand any chance of reaching the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup.

Germans struggling to qualify after loss and draw

Hansi Flick’s men suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Japan in their opener in Qatar, before Niclas Fullkrüg’s late equaliser gave them a 1-1 draw with Spain on matchday two.

Were the Germans to fail to progress from the group stage, it would be the second World Cup in a row that the four-time champions have exited the tournament in the first round.

What Germany need to go through

If the Germans beat Costa Rica and Spain defeat Japan in Group E’s other match on Thursday, Die Mannschaft will qualify for the knockout stages.

If Germany take three points and Japan win or draw, however, it gets more complicated.

Were the Japanese to beat Spain, Germany would only qualify with a victory if they bettered the Spaniards’ goal difference - which would be no easy task. Thanks to their thrashing of Costa Rica on matchday one, La Roja are currently on +7; the Germans, on the other hand, are on -1.

If Japan and Spain draw, a win will only be good enough for Germany if they can outdo the Japanese’s goal difference. That’s far more within reach, as the Samurai Blue head into matchday three just one goal ahead.

If Germany lose or draw to Costa Rica, they will definitely go out.

See also:

Germany vs Costa Rica: key match info

Germany vs Costa Rica kicks offs at Al Bayt Stadium at 2pm ET/11am PT on Thursday 1 December 2022.

You’ll also be able to follow live-text coverage of the clash with AS USA.