Germany bank on a simple win to advance

Germany are not eyeing a high score in their final World Cup Group E match against Costa Rica on Thursday but just hope a simple win will be enough to carry them into the next round.

The four-times champions must bag the three points to have a chance of advancing, and will simultaneously be getting updates on the other match between Spain and Japan that will decide the final standings.

Victory over Costa Rica, who lost 7-0 in their opener to Spain, with a win for Spain against Japan, would cause the Germans to progress to the round of 16 with the Spaniards.

A Spain-Kapan draw, or even a win for the Asians, would take the equation to goal difference.

“I think against Costa Rica we will be a lot of the time in the opponents’ box compared to our game against Spain and there it will come down to how we play in the box,” attacking midfielder Thomas Mueller said on Tuesday. “We have a lot [of] humility. We have one point and minus one goal difference so there is no reason to be euphoric.”

The Germans suffered a shock 2-1 opening loss to Japan before snatching a 1-1 draw against Spain thanks to forward Niclas Fuellkrug’s late equaliser to stay alive.

“But, we still have the chance to advance and show the football world what we have,” he said.

With simultaneous kickoffs for final matches, the Germans will have one eye on Spain, hoping qualification will not come down to goal difference.

“It is important to simultaneously monitor the other game because you can adapt your strategy a bit accordingly,” said Mueller.

“We want to play the best game we can and win it, but I do not think you can say that an 8-0 is a realistic concept at a World Cup.”