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Germany fire four past Costa Rica but can’t avoid shocking World Cup exit

Germany have crashed out of the World Cup, their 4-2 win over Costa Rica proving not enough to make it out of the group stage.

Hansi Flick‘s men entered Wednesday’s match knowing they needed all three points and a bit of help to book in their place in the round of 16.

Unfortunately for Die Mannschaft, Japan‘s win over Spain means they finish Group E in third place due to a worse goal difference than La Rosa.

It all started so well for Germany, who wasted no time in taking the lead in the 10th minute after Serge Gnabry headed David Raum’s cross into the far corner.

The chances kept coming, Leon Goretzka forcing Keylor Navas into a great save from a header at the back-post.

Costa Rica began to show signs of life from there, Joel Campbell failing to get on the end of a decent cross from the left.

Germany’s Antonio Rudiger sits on the pitch at the end of the World Cup match with Costa RicaHassan AmmarAP

Germany were let off the hook in the closing minutes of the first half when Raum and Antonio Rudiger made a complete mess of a long ball over the top, only for Manuel Neuer to tip Keysher Fuller‘s effort over the bar when he looked clear on goal.

Germany were on the ropes following word Japan had taken the lead over Spain in the other group match, and things got worse minutes later when Costa Rica equalized.

Neuer couldn’t hold on to Kendall Waston‘s effort, allowing Yeltsin Tejeda to fire home.

Musiala fired a stunning strike off the inside of the far post after a slight touch from Navas, before hitting it again minutes later as Germany’s hopes began to dwindle.

Against all odds Costa Rica put themselves in position to qualify by taking the lead in the 70th minute, Juan Vargas poking the ball past Neuer from close range after Germany couldn’t clear a Costa Rica free-kick.

Martin MeissnerAP

The surprise was short lived however, Kai Havertz keeping his composure after being played in by Niclas Fullkrug and dinking over Navas.

The PSG goalkeeper made up for it by keeping Costa Rica‘s hopes alive minutes later and getting his face on a ferocious close-range Fullkrug strike.

Havertz restored Germany‘s lead in the 85th minute, tapping home Gnabry‘s cross, while Costa Rica’s feint hopes of progressing were dashed when Fullkrug added a fourth with minutes remaining.

In the end it all proved inconsequential, as Japan’s win over Spain means it’s the Asian side who finish as Group E winners.

They’ll take on Croatia on December 5, with runners-up Spain facing Morocco the following day.

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