Will Germany be eliminated from the World Cup if they lose against Spain?

Germany salvaged a point against Spain, with a late goal from Fullkrug. That means Germany can still qualify, but need to beat Costa Rica in their final game and hope the other result goes their way - the best outcome being Spain beating Japan, to finish on seven points, with Germany on four.

Earlier on Germany were let off the hook ahead of the matchday two game against Spain in Group E (5pm ET). After springing a huge surprise by beating the Die Mannschaft in the opening match of the group stages, Japan lost to Costa Rica in Sunday’s early kick-off, which tightened the group right back up. Had the Samurai Blue won against the Central Americans, they would’ve found themselves on six points, with the Germans on none ahead of the clash with Spain, who looked hugely impressive in the 7-0 rout of Los Ticos on Wednesday.

Hansi Flick’s side would realistically have had no chance but to beat Spain; a defeat would have sent them home, while in the case of a draw, they would have needed to defeat Costa Rica on matchday three, hoped Luis Enrique’s side lost to Japan and made up an eight-goal swing. Stranger things have happened in football, of course, but it would’ve been a big ask.

As it is, the victory for Costa Rica moves them level on three points with Spain and Japan, which leaves Germany three points off top spot with two matches left to play. Even if the Germans lose to Spain in the late kickoff on Sunday, they could overtake the Costa Ricans by defeating them (by enough goals) on matchday three, although they would also be dependent on the La Roja beating Japan that same day.

Only Brazil have won more World Cups than Germany

Along with Italy, Germany have won the World Cup four times; only Brazil (five) have won it more. They’ve finished as runners-up on a further four occasions but were eliminated in the group stages in Russia in 2018. The Germans have never failed to make it to the knockout rounds in consecutive tournaments.

Remaining fixtures in Qatar 2022 World Cup Group E

Sunday, 27 November – Spain vs Germany (5pm ET)

Thursday, 1 December – Japan vs Spain (5pm ET)

Thursday, 1 Decembber – Costa Rica vs Germany (5pm ET)