DE.

Would basically be the opposite of 2018, from one of the easiest to one of the hardest routes.

Amazing that Germany have failed to progress from the group stages in two consecutive WC tournaments now, and neither were exactly what would be classified as a group of death. We also humbled them in between at the Euros. After such a long period of international dominance it's really something to see Germany at such a low point.

Top down view may show the very edge of the ball curve being at the line.

Have to say Spain didn't seem too concerned with scoring in those last 7 minutes...

Unbelievable! Well done Japan, a magnificent second half from them.

Hmm yeah, although with Germany now ahead I believe they will go through if Spain score.

Unfortunately once Spain score it'll put them and the Germans through, been a very entertaining second 45 for both matches though.

The good old reverse curse. Always works 😎

Costa Rica 2-1 Germany, lmao

Most likely, but at least this has made it an interesting watch!

Have to say Japan have been superb in this second half. Great support as well.

My main issue is that it isn't a clear and obvious error by the referee, in the replay it actually looks like it's gone out. At this point you might as well strip the ref of all authority and just use him or her as a conduit for VAR rulings. I imagine that is where this is all leading anyway, but it feels like VAR sensibility has gone backwards since the 2018 WC where I thought VAR was actually implemented pretty well.

Yeah have to say I was assuming it'd be disallowed. If it was in then it was in by a fraction of a mm. A clear and obvious error by the referee, really? Or is that no longer the VAR guideline for usage?

2-1 Japan, LOL

Spain wobbling now... Japan looking rejuvenated.

Wow, Japan equaliser! Glad I decided to watch after all 🤣

Got the feeling there isn't much point watching either, looks like two one-sided matches that'll see the obvious candidates go through. Spain and Germany already 1-0 up.

Belgium couldn't have asked for a more insipid opponent to get themselves through and still couldn't do it. Lukaku extremely wasteful when it mattered most. A shame Croatia are (as far as I can tell?) not on our side of the draw, as I'd fancy us against them.

Yeah, but you expect it from Belgium. Croatia are playing like they've already qualified, which is strange as a single Belgium goal will send them home.

Do Croatia want to go home? What's up with this lethargic mess of a performance from them?

Croatia not looking great either, honestly.

Looking like one of Belgium or Croatia are going out...

It seems churlish to suggest Argentina didn't step up last night. Yes Poland were abysmal, but it was still a masterclass of a performance from Argentina, penalty and subsequent penalty miss aside. Iran were shit when they played us, but I'd still say we stepped up and made a statement of intent with our performance. Just because the opposition is dire doesn't mean a team can't put on a great performance to make a point.

As long as the French play to their usual standard they'll know that they've got a pretty safe passage to the next round. Australia will put up a fight against Argentina and the Saudis have already shown that it's possible to overwhelm them in that way, but obviously if Argentina play like they did tonight it'll be a pretty straightforward progression for them too. You never know when it comes to knockout football, but based on what we've seen so far Argentina will have a tougher test than France.

As it stands, yes.