Against Costa Rica, that much is clear, the DFB team must finally get their first win in the third and last group game in order to reach the round of 16. What should not happen, however, would be a victory for the Japanese in the parallel game against Spain.
No victory in the first two group games – that has never happened to Germany in the long history of football World Cups. But even with just one point, Qatar’s chances of progressing are still intact. The fact is: The last game against Costa Rica (Thursday, 8 p.m.) has to be won. And it also depends on the result of the parallel game: If Spain wins against Japan, then the DFB-Elf is enough for the round of 16. A draw between Spain and Japan would require a Germany win by two goals to overtake Japan on goal difference. And the worst thing from a German point of view would be a victory for the Japanese against Spain. Then the knockout stages would only be possible if you overtake the Spaniards in goal difference – but they have a 7-0 win against Costa Rica in their luggage.