and when you thought we achieved extreme chaos In the World Cup on Wednesday, we had ups and downs on Thursday as well. The four teams of Group E – Costa Rica, Germany, JapanAnd spain – were eliminated either through the round of 16 at some point or outright.
Be sure to check in with ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring you the latest from Qatar. Here’s a look at what you might have missed from Thursday’s World Cup events, and what’s next on Friday.
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Group E chaos: in Japan, Spain; Germany faces the boot again
At halftime of both matches after Thursday, it looked like one of the World Cup’s more intriguing groups would fall apart as predicted: Previous winners Spain and Germany would advance, while Japan and Costa Rica would go home.
By the final whistle, Japan were top of Group E after beating Spain, with Germany (yes, the team with four World Cup trophies) joining Costa Rica on the outside.
Spain were initially in control against Japan after Alvaro Morata’s opening goal, Germany also thanks to cruising past Costa Rica Serge Gnabry10th minute score. But as we should always expect with these tournaments, the tables were turned, the script was flipped, and chaos ensued.
Costa Rica and Japan both came out of their respective locker rooms on fire after halftime, each side having scored two goals in their respective games, and suddenly everything was at stake. For a brief span of two minutes, 55 seconds, even Costa Rica – who had lost 7–0 to Spain but then rebounded to beat Japan – were in the driver’s seat to qualify.
When the dust settled, it was Japan – aided by a controversial VAR decision – who were group winners after stopping Spain 2–1. Germany beat Costa Rica 4–2 but it was not enough to overcome Spain’s superior goal difference.
What about that Japan target?
Of particular note was Japan’s second and ultimately decisive goal. In the 51st minute, come on tanaka later pressed the ball into the net kaoru mitoma Cut it off along the goal-line. Initially when the assistant’s flag went up to rule over the line, VAR ruled that the ball had not been fully crossed and remained in play.
can you see it? Not convinced? Delve into the details about the VAR decision here, or check out ESPN rules expert extraordinaire Dale Johnson as he breaks down the goal that also ultimately sealed Germany’s World Cup fate.
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ESPN FC’s Dale Johnson explains why VAR didn’t disallow Japan’s second goal against Spain.
End of an era for Germany?
Technically Germany did what it needed to do. They beat Costa Rica despite trailing briefly los ticos thanks in the second half Kai Havertzbrace and late strike by Niklas Fulkrug, But that controversial Japan goal proved costly, as did Spain’s goal difference from their big win over Costa Rica last week.
It’s a bitter way to exit the World Cup stage, especially for a traditional powerhouse like Germany. After winning the 2014 World Cup, it has been two straight exits in the group stage for the four-time winners.
The result is expected to mark a major change in German football, with coach Hansi Flick’s position as coach now weakened. long serving players like Thomas Muller, manuel neuer, Antonio Rudiger, Mario Gotze And ilke gundogan May even come to the end of the row on the international stage.
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Archie Rindt-Tutt of ESPN FC labeled Germany’s World Cup exit as a debacle.
today’s top reads
Ziyech, En-Nesri help put out the fire Morocco in last 16
Morocco’s victory, which saw them progress to the round of 16 at the World Cup as Group F winners, was kickstarted by an unfortunate error which led to the opening goal.
Croatia retain Belgium’s Golden Generation trophy
Croatia, World Cup runners-up in 2018, stay alive and send home a star-studded but disappointing Belgium team.
The missing men of the World Cup: what are Salah, Haaland, Benzema doing?
Whether due to qualification or injury, some of the biggest names in the sport are still keeping busy (or resting).
Your best bets (Odds via Caesars Sportsbook)
If you want to bet on the World Cup, ESPN contributors Paul Carr, Dan Thomas and Dalon Cuffe are here to give you important tips. On odds, options and futures, Here’s what we have for Friday’s matches.
Group G: cameroon (+750) Vs. Brazil (-275), draw (+375)
Dalen cough: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I am trying to redeem it for the third time. Brazil will dominate the ball and this game. Take a seleção Zero (+114) to win.
Paul Carr: Through two group games, Brazil had allowed only 11 shots and 0.5 expected goals against, both among the three best defenses in the tournament. I worry about the lineup here too, although it is less so given Brazil’s depth. I love winning zero bets. I just want to see who is starting first.
Daniel Thomas: Brazil has been the best team of the tournament so far. Even if they rest the key players, they are still overwhelmed by the quality. I’ll go to Brazil to win 3-0.
Group G: Serbia (+150) Vs. Switzerland (+180), draw (+230)
Phlegm: The Swiss prospect would need a draw to advance. They are a solid defensive group and yan sommer One of the best goalkeepers in the world. Serbia have been everywhere in this tournament and they need all three points to advance. I think the Swiss manage this game well and get the draw they need (+225).
Carr: Switzerland only need a draw to advance, assuming Cameroon don’t beat Brazil, and they are an experienced team that simply does what is necessary. They were unbeaten in qualifying, outscoring their opponents 15–2 and drawing 1–1 and 0–0. Italy, Serbia’s attack isn’t quite as dominant (2.1 expected goals in two games) and Switzerland will look to continue that trend in a low-scoring game. Give me goals under 2.5 at -130.
Thomas: Take down the targets. This is not going to be fun to watch.
Group H: Ghana (+390) Vs. Uruguay (-140), draw (+300)
Phlegm: The Ghanaian’s matches have been entertaining because of his ability to put the ball into the net (5 goals scored), but also because of his propensity to score (5 goals conceded). The Black Stars are likely to advance with just a draw (assuming South Korea does not beat portugal), while Uruguay would have to win to have any chance. Uruguay has been unlucky, hitting three times in two games. I think they will capitalize on their opportunities by applying pressure from the kickoff. Black Stars may also come on board. That’s why I like 2.5 more goals at -105.
Carr: I’m on a similar page, in that Uruguay should already have a goal or two, given their 1.9 expected goals. Also, Ghana has had plenty of chances in both games, with each team getting at least 1.0 expected goals in each game. I would take both the teams to a score of -110.
Thomas: I love Ghana here. They are a great value at +390. Uruguay hasn’t impressed at all so far.
Group H: South Korea (+375) vs portugal (-150), Draw (+300)
Phlegm: South Korea need to win and have created a lot of chances against Ghana. The lineup will be interesting for Portugal, who have already qualified. I’m not sure I’m going to play this game and will definitely wait to see the starting 11. If it is primarily the group that wins Portugal in this group, I prefer both teams to score (-115).
Carr: what happened after FranceSub-optimal lineup on Wednesday, I’m not touching this game until I see the Portugal starting players.
Thomas: I too like both the teams to score and I think it is going to be a thoroughly entertaining affair.
News and Notes
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United States midfielder Christian Pulisic said on Thursday He would “do everything in my power” to play against the Netherlands in Saturday’s World Cup round-of-16 match. According to a US Soccer Federation spokesman, Pulisic’s official condition remains day-to-day with a pelvic injury.
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Brazilian football legend Pele was diagnosed with bronchopneumonia after new tests at a Sao Paulo hospital on Thursday. Sources told ESPN Brazil, His daughter Kelly Nascimento said the three-time World Cup winner was initially admitted to the hospital on Tuesday to administer medication in his fight against a colon tumour. She said there was “no emergency” regarding the health of her 82-year-old father.
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Mexico’s national teams director Jaime Ordiales said he felt “professional embarrassment” for the national team’s early exit from the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and promised to rebuild for the next World Cup cycle. It was Mexico’s worst World Cup in 40 years, and al tri The previous seven had progressed beyond the first round in consecutive World Cups.
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Merritt Paulson Announced its intention to sell NWSL club Portland Thorns The deal comes amid ongoing pressure following allegations of sexual harassment and coercion against former Thorns manager Paul Riley, for which he was fired for cause in 2015. That pressure—from both fans and sponsors—increased following the release of the Yates Report, which detailed systemic sexual and emotional abuse throughout the league. Paulson, who also owns the Portland Timbers, does not intend to sell the MLS club.
what else caught our eye
Fans in Morocco are in full force celebrating after finishing Group F undefeated, setting up an exciting 16-match round of 16 tie with neighbors Spain.
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Moroccan fans take to the streets to celebrate their country’s victory over Canada at the World Cup as Tom Hamilton reports from the city of Doha.
This is a rematch of the 2018 World Cup group stage thriller between La Rosa and the Atlas Lions, which ended in a 2–2 draw. Who will get the bragging rights this time?
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Gabe Marcotti of ESPN FC defended Morocco after Spain finished second in their group and face them in the round of 16.
Matches On Tap For Friday
Group H: South Korea vs. Portugal (Education City Stadium, 10 AM ET)
All Portugal needs to do is stay healthy and avoid humiliation to advance, while South Korea could use a spark Son Hyung-min to give a chance to go. shall we see Cristiano RonaldoOr will he be put to rest?
Group H: Ghana vs Uruguay (Al Janoub Stadium, 10 AM)
This seismic grudge match — remember Luis Suarezhandball as uruguay Black Stars were knocked out of the 2010 World Cup – There’s a lot on the line as the two may move on. Ghana goes through with a win or a draw (if South Korea loses), while Uruguay must win (and South Korea lose) to have a chance to progress. Skip a few meetings to tune in.
Group G: Serbia vs. Switzerland (Stadium 974, 2 p.m. ET)
there’s a lot of animosity After their stormy meeting at the 2018 World CupBut a round of 16 spot is secure for either side to win.
Group G: Cameroon vs. Brazil (Lusal Iconic Stadium, 2 p.m. ET)
It’s unlikely that Brazil will lose, but given the chaos in both Groups C and E this week, literally anything is possible. A Cameroon win, with some help from Serbia/Switzerland, will put them through to the last 16.
