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Germany crashed out of the World Cup within the group phases — once more.
It was a humiliating exit for probably the most profitable nations within the historical past of the match. Germany lifted the trophy as just lately as 2014, the nation’s fourth triumph within the competitors.
Regardless of profitable 4-2 towards Costa Rica, their solely victory within the match, Germany’s popularity for producing “match groups” is in jeopardy after failing to qualify for the knockout rounds. Even the euphoria of getting back from being down 2-1 wasn’t sufficient.
As Simon Kuper has famous, Germany have come to depend on older gamers due to an absence of rising expertise. No matter occurred within the decade to the yr 2000, not sufficient high quality German gamers have been born.
This was the oldest German World Cup squad since 2002 — they usually’ve been despatched house early.
However their loss was Japan’s acquire; they undergo to the knockout rounds after a 2-1 win towards Spain.
Germany weren’t the one European aspect to endure ignominy: Belgium are out, too, after a goalless draw towards Croatia. Morocco topped the group after a 2-1 win towards Canada.
Belgium, second within the Fifa world rankings, subsequently parted methods with Spanish coach Roberto Martinez, who had been in cost for six years. It’s unlucky that Kevin De Bruyne — one of many world’s nice gamers — gained’t be staying in Qatar for longer however the Crimson Devils might be questioning how they didn’t obtain extra with such a star.
Japan’s subsequent check comes within the spherical of 16 towards Croatia on Monday, whereas Spain go face to face towards Morocco.
Thursday’s spotlight
This one actually isn’t fairly however what a defining second for Japan on the Khalifa Worldwide Stadium in Doha.
The introduction of video expertise in soccer has been controversial from the off. Many followers stay traditionalists. Nevertheless it’s arduous to argue with the suspense of ready for a VAR evaluate.
That’s simply what occurred on Thursday when Japan took the lead towards Spain, one of many favourites to win the match. Japan drilled a shot throughout Spain’s field — however did the ball exit earlier than it was whacked again throughout the face of aim for Ao Tanaka to complete?
Wouldn’t it stand? Sure it could!
Thursday’s outcomes
Croatia 0 Belgium 0
Canada 1 Morocco 2
Japan 2 Spain 1
Costa Rica 2 Germany 4
Friday’s one to look at
Ghana and Uruguay are getting ready for a grudge match that may very well be a defining second of the group phases.
The dangerous feeling all goes again to a match in Johannesburg 12 years in the past when the World Cup was held in South Africa.
Ghana have been set to have a good time a aim after a well-placed header hurtled in direction of the aim, making them the primary African staff to make a World Cup semi-final.
That was till Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez held up his fingers and blocked the aim. Crimson card. Penalty. The benefit was nonetheless with Ghana.
Asamoah Gyan stepped up. It was time to make a rustic proud.
However his shot rebounded off the crossbar. Suárez celebrated and turned himself right into a pariah.
Ghana nonetheless remembers. Suárez is now 35. He might or might not begin in Friday’s match. However revenge could be candy, even when the veteran ahead wasn’t able to repent for his actions.
“The Ghana participant missed the penalty, not me,” mentioned Suárez this week.
Learn Simon Kuper’s full take right here.
Friday’s fixtures
Ghana vs Uruguay, 3pm UK time/6pm Doha time
South Korea vs Portugal, 3pm UK time/6pm Doha time
Cameroon vs Brazil, 7pm UK time/10pm Doha time
Serbia vs Switzerland, 7pm UK time/10pm Doha time
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