Anything but a win will be costly for Germany

After getting a favour from Costa Rica, Germany need a win against the Central American team this morning to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages at the World Cup.

Costa Rica’s surprise win over Japan on Monday ensured Germany did not face the prospect of immediate elimination with a loss to Spain later that day. With the pressure off, Germany fought back from a goal down and drew 1-1 thanks to Niclas Fullkrug’s late equaliser.

Germany will advance to the round of 16 with a win if Spain also beat Japan in the other group game. Costa Rica control their outcome and will advance with a win.

Even a draw would be enough for Costa Rica to reach the knockout stages if Spain beat Japan.

Spain lead Group E with four points after two games, followed by Japan and Costa Rica both on three, while Germany have just one.

“We have a lot of humility,” said

Germany attacker Thomas Muller, who pointed to the team’s position in the table. “There isn’t much reason to be really euphoric.”

Mu¨ller said Germany’s late draw against Spain provided a morale boost for the team, as well as the chance to get to the knockout stages.

Germany were in a similar situation at the last World Cup in Russia, where Joachim Low’s team lost their opening game 1-0 to Mexico before beating Sweden 2-1. A win against

South Korea in the final group game would have ensured the defending champions progressed, but they slipped to a 2-0 loss and crashed out.

“Now we have to do it differently,” Mu¨ ller said. “When the football world looks at Germany vs Costa Rica, I think we’re the favourite for those looking from the outside. It’s clear we have to win. We have respect.”

If Japan win or draw it could go down to goal difference between Germany and Japan, or Germany and

Spain, depending on the result.

Costa Rica will go through with a win, while a draw will be enough if Japan loses.

“Costa Rica has shown two faces at this World Cup,” Fullkrug said. “The game against Spain is difficult to evaluate. Then they made a nuisance of themselves in the second game against Japan. They had better positional play and let the ball run. We’re prepared for them playing like they did against Japan.”