How can Germany qualify for the World Cup knockout stages?

It has not been a World Cup to remember for Germany so far in Qatar and they have got it all to do ahead of their final 2022 group game.

Hansi Flick's side have got just one point from two matches but as is often the way in World Cup groups, there is always a way of squeezing through, as Poland found out on Wednesday as they were minutes away from progressing by virtue of getting fewer yellow cards than Mexico before a Saudi Arabia goal made goal difference the decider.

We're going to take a look at the results the European nation needs to avoid a second consecutive group stage exit, having been dumped out at the same stage in 2018 when they were the reigning champions.

Germany at the World Cup so far

The World Cup seemed to be starting positively for Germany when they were 1-0 up in their Group E opener against Japan with 15 minutes to go. Then goals from Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano meant the Germans were heading into the next game against Spain needing to avoid defeat to stay in with a chance.

With just seven minutes left to play in that game, Germany were 1-0 down thanks to Alvaro Morata's goal and heading for an embarrassing early exit. Then Niclas Fullkrug arrived and scored the equaliser that has given his side a fighting chance in their final match.

Tipped as one of the favourites to win the tournament with their fresh and young-looking team featuring the likes of Jamal Musiala, Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko, Germany would have been bitterly disappointed to go out after two games.

Japan stunned Germany in the first game / Etsuo Hara/GettyImages

Germany remaining World Cup group fixtures

Germany's final Group E match sees them take on Costa Rica at the Al Bayt Stadium. After starting so poorly with a 7-0 defeat against Spain, Costa Rica then beat Japan 1-0. That means the Central American nation have qualification to play for.

Costa Rica can still top the group if they win and Spain drop points in their match against Japan. Germany and Costa Rica met at the 2006 World Cup in the opening match. That one ended 4-2 to Germany with goals from Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose (2) and Torsten Frings.

How can Germany qualify for the World Cup knockout stages?

Germany need quite a lot to go their way. They need to beat Costa Rica first and foremost. If they don't do that, everything else is irrelevant. If both Germany and Spain win their games, Germany will finish second in the group.

If Germany win and Spain lose, second place in the group will be decided between those two teams on goal difference and then goals scored. Japan would be the group winners.

A win for Germany along with a Spain vs Japan draw can mean a number of things based on the number of goals scored. A 0-0 draw there is enough for Germany to progress with a win. A Germany win by one goal means the situation would be decided on goals scored.

It took a late equaliser to avoid elimination against Spain / Richard Heathcote/GettyImages

If Germany win by two or more goals, they will finish second on goal difference and Japan will be knocked out. There will be loads of twists and turns throughout the evening, so try and get your head around it now but get ready for major confusion and some careful listening to the commentators.

It all becomes a lot more simple if Germany do not win. Any less than three points and Germany are out.

Harry Symeou hosts Jack Gallagher and Toby Cudworth to look back on Germany '06 as part of the 'Our World Cup' series. We take a trip down memory lane - join us!

If you can't see the podcast embed, click to download or listen to the episode in full!

Home/Germany