All four teams of Group E were in action on 2 December 2022 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, all those teams had a chance to get qualified for the Round of 16. Spain locked horns against Japan in Khalifa International Stadium. While Costa Rica took on Germany in Al Bayt Stadium.
However, all eyes were on Germany especially. First, they lost to Japan and then, managed to draw against Spain in the second match. Hence, fans were hoping for a better performance from them in this clash. Meanwhile, Japan were also looking for another big result against Spain like they managed against Germany.
Japan and Spain qualified for the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2022
Japan vs Spain
Spain started the game with more control as they opened the scoring in the 10th minute only. Alvaro Morat scored from a header while Cesar Azpilicueta managed a beautiful assist. After that, Japan stitched some attacking threats. But, they failed to convert those and the first half ended 1-0.
In the second half, Japan came out with all guns blazing and they scored the equalizer in the 48th minute. Ritsu Doan was the scorer while Junya Ito provided the assist. After that, in the 51st minute, Ao Tanaka scored the second goal for Japan while Kauro Mitoma assisted in the build-up. 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
Germany looked more determined in this game since the kickoff. In the second minute, Musiala cut inside and had a shot at the goal. But, Costa Rica’s goalkeeper, Keylor Navas managed a save. But, in the 10th minute, Serge Gnabry scored the opener for Germany. David Raum assisted him in that goal. In the 29th minute, Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell had a chance to score. But, he missed the ball completely, and finally, the first half ended 1-0.
In the second half, Costa Rica managed to score the equalizer in the 58th minute. Yeltsin Tejeda scored that much-needed equalizer for his country. Then, Juan Pablo Vargas scored the second goal for Costa Rica in the 70th minute. But, in the 73rd minute, Kai Havertz scored the equalizer for Germany and made it 2-2. Niclas Fuellkrug came up with the assist. Then, in the 85th minute, Kai Havertz scored the third goal for Germany while Serge Gnabry assisted him. 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.
