On 2 December 2022, all four teams of Group E were in action for the last time in the group stage of the ongoing FIFA World Cup. All four teams were in contention for getting qualified for the next round. Spain took on Japan in Khalifa International Stadium. In the other match, Costa Rica took on Germany in Al Bayt Stadium.
It was a must-win game for every team in this group, So, fans were hoping to see two great games of football. However, Germany have failed to showcase their full potential so far in the tournament. They lost to Japan and drew against Spain. So, all eyes were on them as fans were hoping to see them getting qualified.
Japan and Spain sealed their places in the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2022
Japan vs Spain
Spain managed to score the opener in the 10th minute of the game. Alvaro Morata opened the scoring with a header. Cesar Azpilicueta assisted him in that build-up. In response, Japan came up with some attacking threats. But, they were failing in the final third as the first half ended 1-0 for Spain.
In the second half, Japan did not take long to score the equalizer. Ritsu Doan scored the goal in the 48th minute while Junya Ito assisted him. Then, in the 51st minute, Ao Tanaka doubled the lead for Japan and Kauro Mitoma provided the assist. However, they held the lead and the game ended 2-1 in favor of Japan. Thus, they qualified for the next round.
Germany vs Costa Rica
Since the kickoff, Germany looked in more control tha Costa Rica. In the second minute, Musiala cut inside and had a shot from the edge of the box. But, Costa Rica’s goalkeeper, Keylor Navas denied him with a comfortable save. However, in the 10th minute, Serge Gnabry put Germany ahead and David Raum assisted him. After that, Joel Campbell had a chance to score the equalizer for Costa Rica.
But, he missed the ball completely. Then, the first half of the game ended 1-0 for Germany. In the second half, Costa Rica's Yeltsin Tejeda scored the equalizer in the 58th minute. Then, in the 70th minute, Juan Pablo Vargas scored the second goal. But, Germany came up with a quick response and made 2-2. Kai Havertz scored the goal in the 73rd minute while Niclas Fuellkrug assisted. Then, Kai Havertz completed his brace in the 85th minute. Serge Gnabry came up with the assist. Germany again scored in the 89th minute. Niclas Fuellkrug scored while Leroy Sane assisted. Finally, Germany won the match 4-2 but it was not enough to get qualified for the next round.