(MENAFN) Japan staged a dramatic comeback win over Spain as both teams advanced from Group E to the World Cup knockout rounds, but Germany exited the tournament despite beating Costa Rica on a night of high drama in Qatar.
Japan overcame Spain 2-1 at Khalifa International Stadium thanks to goals in the span of three minutes in the second half from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka.
In the other game of the Group E finale, Germany defeated Costa Rica 4-2 at Al Bayt Stadium - but it wasn't enough for the Germans, who finished second to Spain on goal difference.
Japan advances to the final 16 after winning Group E with six points, four points more than Spain.
Spain was ultimately reliant on their 7-0 first game triumph against Costa Rica, which guaranteed they had a significantly superior goal difference over Germany, who had lost their first game in Qatar to the Japanese.
The Germans, who won the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, have now tasted the humiliation of two consecutive World Cup group stage losses, following their early withdrawal from Russia four years ago.
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