Germany eliminated from 2022 World Cup after Japan controversy

Another World Cup calamity for Germany.

One of the powerhouses of world soccer was eliminated from the 2022 World Cup in the group stage on Thursday, as their 4-2 win over Costa Rica wasn’t enough because Japan defeated Spain, 2-1, to take first place in Group E; Spain took second place with four points, advancing to the Round of 16 via the goal differential tiebreaker. Spain’s was plus-6, buoyed by a 7-0 win over Costa Rica to open the tournament; Germany’s differential was plus-1.

Germany was also eliminated in the group stage four years ago in Russia after winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

It all came down to a controversial Japan goal.

Germany needed a win combined with either a Spain win or a Spain-Japan tie plus the goal differential tiebreaker to advance. In the leadup to Ao Tanaka’s goal that put Japan up 2-1 over Spain in the second half, the ball very nearly went out of bounds. The goal stood after VAR review. Had the goal not counted and Japan tied Spain, Germany would’ve won a second-place tiebreak over Japan, which would’ve had a goal differential of zero.

Things were going Germany’s way at halftime, as Spain held a 1-0 lead. But Japan’s halftime changes paid immediate dividends.

Ritsu Doan came on for Takefusa Kubo and scored in the 48th minute to tie the game. Tanaka scored three minutes later.

Germany ran into trouble in their own game, as a pair of second-half goals gave Costa Rica a 2-1 lead in the 70th minute, but Kai Havertz scored twice to put Germany back in front before they added another late. Costa Rica would’ve advanced with a win, which would’ve sent Spain home.

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Japan defeated Germany 2-1 to open the group stage before Germany and Spain tied 1-1.

Before the 2022 World Cup began, BetMGM gave Germany the sixth-best odds to win the tournament.