Germany knocked out of World Cup 2022 at group stage

For a second successive World Cup, Germany made an early exit despite being Costa Rica, who are also out.

Four-time winners Germany have been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup at the group stages for a second consecutive tournament.

Hansi Flick’s men were expected to put in a much better performance four years on from their disastrous 2018 Champions campaign, but it all got off to a disastrous start when they lost to Japan. Germany led the game but were caught by two late goals thanks to some great substitutions and some pretty terrible defending from Niklas Sule.

They put in a much better performance in their second game against Spain, drawing 1-1 thanks to a goal from Bundesliga journeyman Niclas Fullkrug.

In the final match of the group stages, Germany needed a win and relied on Spain to beat Japan in the second match.

That was not to be, however, as Spain threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to Samurai Blue, who jumped to the top of Group E and confirmed Germany’s elimination.