World Cup Group E permutations: Germany face must-win game against Costa Rica

Germany will go up against Costa Rica in Group E of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, knowing that only a win would give them any chance of qualifying for the round of 16.

A massive game awaits Germany on Thursday as they look to avoid a second straight group stage exit from the FIFA World Cup. Hansi Flick’s side are set to face Costa Rica in Group E, and even a win may not be enough to seal passage to the round of 16.

After losing to Japan and earning a draw against Spain, Germany are currently sitting at the bottom of Group E. They are two points behind second placed Japan and Costa Rica. While Spain are top with four points to their name.

In order to make it to the round of 16, Niklas Süle and co. must beat Costa Rica in their final group stage game. But they will also need some help from Spain if they want to qualify for the knockout stages.

If Spain beat Japan, Germany will move up to four points with a win over Costa Rica and thus qualify for the round of 16. However, if Japan beat Spain, Germany will need a goal difference swing of eight goals in their favour to reach the last 16. If Spain and Japan play out a draw, Germany will progress to the knockout stages as long as they beat Costa Rica by two or more goals.

Germany cannot finish top in their group. But if they finish as the Group E runners-up, they will face the team that wins Group F in the round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.