By Victor Kanayo
Despite coming from behind to beat Costa Rica 4-2 in their last group E match, Germany have failed to reach the knockout stage in the ongoing 2022 World Cup.
To reach the last 16, the four-time champions required all three points, but their destiny was out of their hands as they needed a favour from Spain, who crashed to a stunning 2-1 defeat to Japan.
Kai Havertz climbed off the bench to spark a dramatic fight-back – but it proved in vain for Germany.I
The 2014 champions incredibly failed to make it out of their group for the second successive tournament and are heading home.
Japan’s sensational victory over Spain meant Hansi Flick’s men missed out on second place on goal difference despite their first win of the tournament.
Germany were forced to play out the final few minutes of this one knowing there was little they could do to save themselves.
And there will be inevitably be question marks over the former Bayern Munich coach’s future after this latest disaster.
For the first time since 1938 Germany had failed to win their first two games at a World Cup and knew there was no more margin for error.
Japan top the group with six points and Germany miss out on goal difference as Spain take the runners-up place.
