La Roja’s bills are simple: don’t lose and if they do, then Costa Rica won’t add up the three points
Group E of the World Cup in Qatar is closer than ever. The draw between Spain and Germany, and Costa Rica’s surprise victory over Japan, leaves the decision on who will qualify and in what order for the final day.
Spain arrives first until the last day. It’s the one who has it easiest and the only one worth the tie. Germany, who are sure to win, expect a favor from La Roja in their game against Japan.
The accounts for Luis Enrique’s team are simple: if they win they will be first in the group, if they tie unless Costa Rica win and if they lose, barring a ‘Tico’ win, they will go second in the round from 16 in. in the group. It would only be out if it lost and Germany beat Costa Rica by at least seven goals.
What does La Roja have to do to finish first in the group?
Luis Enrique’s team will advance to the round of 16 as the first group if they beat Japan on the final day. It does not depend on what happens at the other party. If Spain draws with Japan, they also qualify first, but as long as Costa Rica doesn’t beat Germany in the other match.
When will Spain qualify second in the group?
If Spain draws with Japan and Costa Rica wins against Germany, then the ‘ticos’ are leaders in Group E, followed by Spain. Even if it lost, Spain would have chances to qualify second. This scenario would occur if Germany and Costa Rica draw or if the Teutons win and do not narrow the eight-goal difference with Spain.
In which cases will Spain be eliminated?
The worst possible scenario would be Spain losing to Japan and Costa Rica winning to Germany. They would also be left out of the round of 16 if they lose to the Japanese and Germany beat Costa Rica, narrowing the eight goal difference they currently have with Spain in aggregate.
Spain 4 (+7)
Japan 3 (+1)
Costa Rica 3 (-6)
Germany 1 (-1)
1/12 at 8:00 PM Costa Rica-Germany
1/12 at 8pm Japan-Spain
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
