Japan turned out to be another surprise package finishing at the summit of what was a difficult group for the Asian team. They were the least favorites to win the group being plotted with former champions Spain and Germany in Group E.
But the Blue Samurais produced two massive upsets beating both Spain and Germany to secure the top spot. Although they lost to Costa Rica by a margin of 1-0, the two upsets they produced meant Japan finished above the 2010 and 2014 World Cup champions.
After thumping Costa Rica 7-0, it looked like Luis Enrique’s Spain would seal the top berth in Group E. But a draw against Germany and a shocking upset against Japan in their final fixture meant La Furia Roja slipped to the second position in the group with a better goal difference than Germany.
After a shocking exit from the group stage in 2018, Hansi Flick couldn’t change Germany’s fate as the team was once again knocked out in the same fashion. An opening defeat against a resilient Japanese side put them in a tough spot. They shared the spoils against Spain and despite winning 4-2 against Costa Rica, Spain’s better goal difference meant the Germans were sent home from the group stage for consecutive World Cups.
Costa Rica started their World Cup campaign with a deflating 7-0 loss against Spain but was able to diligently bounce back as they beat Japan 1-0 in the next game. They failed to hold on to their lead against Germany as they were humbled 4-2 at the end of the final whistle finishing last in the group.
Group E fixtures & results
Date | KO time (local) | Fixture | Venue |
|---|
Nov. 23 | 16:00 | Germany 1-2 Japan | Khalifa International Stadium |
Nov. 23 | 19:00 | Spain 7-0 Costa Rica | Al Thumama Stadium |
Nov. 27 | 13:00 | Japan 0-1 Costa Rica | Ahmad bin Ali Stadium |
Nov. 27 | 22:00 | Spain 1-1 Germany | Al Bayt Stadium |
Dec. 1 | 22:00 | Japan 2-1 Spain | Khalifa International Stadium |
Dec. 1 | 22:00 | Costa Rica 2-4 Germany | Al Bayt Stadium |
Group E table standings
Pos. | Country | Played | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|
1 | Japan | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +1 | 6 |
2 | Spain | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | +6 | 4 |
3 | Germany | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | +1 | 4 |
4 | Costa Rica | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -8 | 3 |
