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World Cup news: Germany OUT as Spain survive scare, FIFA commanded to release pictures
Express Sport keeps you up to date with all the action from Thursday at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Senegal train ahead of World Cup clash against England
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal could be paying close attention to today's World Cup action, with two players of interest potentially in action for Spain against Japan in Group E. The Spaniards are one of eight nations competing for a last-16 spot on the first day of December amid FIFA complaints over recent VAR controversy.
Spain face Japan, knowing a point will likely be enough to secure top spot, with Germany expected to cruise past Costa Rica in the other Group E match. Germany need to win to go through, while a draw would be enough for Costa Rica, despite their 7-0 opening defeat.
Plenty is to be decided in Group F, with three countries still capable of finishing at winners. Canada are already out, and Morocco need a win against the North Americans to guarantee progression. However, even a two-goal defeat would be enough if Belgium fail to beat Croatia.
With eight teams already securing safe passage into the knockout stages, four more are about to follow. Express Sport is here to provide regular updates throughout the day, keeping you updated with the latest World Cup news, reaction and match coverage when the action gets underway this afternoon.
Follow LIVE updates, as they happened, below...
KEY EVENTS
- FULL TIME! Group E final standings20:54
- GOAL! Costa Rica 2-4 Germany (Fullkrug, 89')20:47
- GOAL! Costa Rica 2-3 Germany (Havertz, 85')20:44
- GOAL! Costa Rica 2-2 Germany (Havertz, 73')20:31
- GOAL! Costa Rica 2-1 Germany (Vargas, 70')20:29
- GOAL! Costa Rica 1-1 Germany (Tejeda, 58')20:16
- GOAL! Spain 1-2 Japan (Tanaka, 51')20:10
- GOAL! Spain 1-1 Japan (Doan, 48')20:05
- GOAL! Spain 1-0 Japan (Morata, 11')19:12
- GOAL! Germany 1-0 Costa Rica (Gnabry, 10')19:11
- FULL TIME: Canada 1-2 Morocco16:57
- FULL TIME: Belgium 0-0 Croatia16:55
Kai Havertz's face a picture
Kai Havertz has caused a stir with an understandably moody expression while accepting his Budweiser Man of the Match award on Thursday.
The Chelsea star netted twice for Germany but it wasn't enough to send them through to the World Cup knockout stages.
Spain vs Japan conspiracy theory raised
German media outlet Bild have half-heartedly raised the theory that Japan and Spain may have had an incentive to collaborate during their decisive Group E clash on Thursday.
Japan's shock 2-1 win over the Spaniards effectively ensured that both nations went through, sending Germany home from Qatar despite their 4-2 victory over Costa Rica.
Before kick-off, Bild highlighted that Japan and Spain have recently struck up a cooperative relationship on several issues, including women's football.
The result also left Spain in the favourable side of the World Cup draw. Understandably, the suggestion provoked a mixed response on social media.
Thomas Muller hints at retirement
Thomas Muller admitted he might have played his last game for Germany in an emotional interview following their World Cup exit.
"It's an absolute disaster! I don't know what happens next. If this was my last game, then I would like to say a few words to the German football fans. It was an enormous pleasure, dear people,” Muller told ARD.
“We experienced great moments. I tried to leave my heart on the court in every game."
FIFA commanded to release pictures
ITV pundit Graeme Souness has demanded that FIFA release the pictures they have of Japan's controversial winning goal against Spain on Thursday.
It appeared as though Kaoru Mitoma had let the ball run out of play but VAR could not prove as much with the angles at their disposal.
The result ensured Spain and Japan went through to the knockout rounds with Germany crashing out, despite their win over Costa Rica.
"Every television studio, every pundit has an interest in this World Cup will be wanting to see the picture where at the end where this happened," Souness said. "In real time, as it happened, the ball went out, the pictures we’ve seen shown the ball went out.
"Why aren’t FIFA showing us something which is so controversial that it just cost the Germans dearly. Why are they not showing it to us? This is enormous, 45 minutes later, why aren’t they showing it? Clear it up for us, please."
FULL TIME! Group E final standings
An incredible night of action in Group E as Japan qualify at the top of the group by beating Spain 2-1.
Germany gave it their all with a 4-2 win over Costa Rica but they needed Spain to get a result. Their knockout hopes are dead and buried.
Spain survive the scare as Costa Rica and Japan were briefly heading through, but they take second spot.
Japan will face Croatia in the last 16 with Spain coming up against Morocco.
GOAL! Costa Rica 2-4 Germany (Fullkrug, 89')
The win is now Germany's as substitute Niclas Fullkrug puts two goals between themselves and Costa Rica.
That changes nothing, however, as they still need a Spain equaliser. Seven minutes of added time in their match with Japan.
GOAL! Costa Rica 2-3 Germany (Havertz, 85')
What an impact by Kai Havertz, who only came on less than 20 minutes ago.
He taps in a cross at the far post to give Germany the lead, but it's not enough as things stand.
Germany need Spain to equalise in their match with Japan to have any hope of going through.
GOAL! Costa Rica 2-2 Germany (Havertz, 73')
The twists and turns keep on coming. Costa Rica's lead is shortlived as the ball breaks for Kai Havertz just outside the six-yard box.
His finish is neat and tidy to bring Germany level. As it stands, Germany are still bottom of the group but Spain have replaced Costa Rica in the qualifying spots.
Japan still top.
GOAL! Costa Rica 2-1 Germany (Vargas, 70')
The unthinkable is unfolding in Group E as Juan Pablo Vargas makes contact after an unsavoury scramble in the box.
They started with a 7-0 defeat to Spain and they're now beating Germany. As it stands, Japan and Costa Rica are going through with Spain and Germany heading home.
Incredible!
GOAL! Costa Rica 1-1 Germany (Tejeda, 58')
It's going from bad to worse for Germany as Costa Rica have come up with an unlikely equaliser!
A header is embarrassingly fumbled by Manuel Neuer and Yeltsin Tejeda is there to fire in the rebound.
It's shock after shock in Group E this evening!
GOAL! Spain 1-2 Japan (Tanaka, 51')
What a turnaround in the space of just over five second-half minutes. There's major controversy, too, as it certainly looked as though the ball had rolled out of play in the lead-up to Ao Tanaka's strike.
However, Mark Clattenburg claims that there wasn't enough evidence with the angles available to overturn the decision to give the goal.
Japan in the lead, which is bad news for Germany.
GOAL! Spain 1-1 Japan (Doan, 48')
Spain are caught out passing the ball around at the back as Alejandro Balde has his pocket picked.
Half-time substitute Ritsu Doan, fresh from being introduced, takes on touch inside and blasts it basts Unai Simon from outside the box.
A superbly-taken effort and it's game on!
GOAL! Spain 1-0 Japan (Morata, 11')
It's that man again! Alvaro Morata has been in fine scoring form at this tournament and he's been rewarded with a start this evening.
The cross into the box from Cesar Azpilicueta is absolutely bang on the money and Morata is in the perfect position to head home.
GOAL! Germany 1-0 Costa Rica (Gnabry, 10')
Neat build-up play by Germany and Serge Gnabry finishes off the sweeping move with a textbook header directed into the bottom corner.
As it stands, it's Germany and Spain going through to the knockout stages.
KICK OFF: Spain vs Japan and Germany vs Costa Rica
Spain and Japan are underway with Germany facing Costa Rica elsewhere in Group E.
Germany need a win to have any hope of making it through while Spain start the day at the top of the table.
The Spanish are heading through with Japan as things stand, but there's an awfully long way to go.
Roberto Martinez drops Belgium bombshell
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed his departure from the national team after they failed to make it to the knockout rounds in Qatar.
His contract was due to expire after the tournament but many didn't expect the announcement to come so soon.
After the final whistle, he explained: "That was my last game with the national team, I can’t carry on. It’s the time for me to accept that this is the last game.
"Today there are no regrets. We're out but we can leave with our heads held high. You see Youri Tielemans and other young players - the golden generation is doing something that is bringing the next generation on."
Costa Rica team news
Costa Rica have made a series of changes, particularly to their front line, despite edging to a 1-0 win over Japan last time out.
Luis Fernandez Suarez has selected the following side to face Germany...
Le XI du Costa Rica face \u00e0 l'Allemagne ! \ud83d\udd25
\u2014 Foot Mercato (@footmercato) December 1, 2022
T'en penses quoi ?\ud83e\udd14#CRCGER #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/lUpkLY5jJ7
Germany team news
Germany have made just one change for their crunch clash with Costa Rica this evening, with Leroy Sane coming in for Thilo Kehrer.
Hansi Flick has set out his side as follows...
Unsere Startelf f\u00fcr \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea! \ud83d\udd25#CRCGER #GER #WM2022 pic.twitter.com/dZZY03cIAZ
\u2014 DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) December 1, 2022
Japan team news
Japan, meanwhile, have made a host of changes from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica last time out.
Hajime Moriyasu has set out his side as follows...
\ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 Japan starting XI vs Spain #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Vv9y98NIrq
\u2014 That's Football! (@ThatsFootballTV) December 1, 2022
Spain team news
A few changes for Spain against Japan this evening as Alvaro Morata, Nico Williams, Pau Torres, Cesar Azpilicueta and Alejandro Balde all get the nod from the start.
Luis Enrique has set up his side as follows...
\ud83d\udea8Spain\u2019s XI tonight. pic.twitter.com/osj9tuQ1QS
\u2014 Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) December 1, 2022
Romelu Lukaku breaks dugout with one punch
Romelu Lukaku was not satisfied with his performance as Belgium drew 0-0 with Croatia, despite needing a win to have any hope of progressing to the knockout stages in Qatar.
The Inter Milan forward had three gilt-edged chances to put his nation through on Thursday but his finishing was poor on each occasion. Thierry Henry did his best to console Lukaku after the final whistle but the 29-year-old broke the dugout with one right-handed punch in a fit of rage.
FULL TIME: Canada 1-2 Morocco
An uneventful second-half sees Morocco prevail over Canada, who leave their second-ever World Cup campaign without a point on the board.
Against all odds, Morocco go through as group winners with Croatia in second spot. Belgium wind up third but it's not enough.
FULL TIME: Belgium 0-0 Croatia
Belgium are out of the 2022 World Cup!
The last dance for this Golden Generation has ended at the group stages after failing to beat Croatia and Morocco.
It's a travesty for manager Roberto Martinez, whose contract is due to expire in the wake of the tournament.
Romelu Lukaku missed a trio of incredible chances in the second half that would have put Belgium through, and the Inter Milan striker was inconsolable at full-time.
World Cup score update...
The second half is underway for Croatia's clash with Belgium and Canada's tie with Morocco. Currently:
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
Canada 1-2 Morocco
Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri have been among the goals for Morocco, while Nayef Aguerd put into his own net for Canada to pull one back.
As it stands, Morocco and Croatia are heading through to the knockouts. Stay tuned...
Wahbi Khazri retires from Tunisia duty
One day after scoring the winner against reigning world champions France, Wahbi Khazri has announced his retirement from international football.
The 31-year-old netted a superb solo strike to beat France 1-0 in their Group D finale last night.
As a result, he was awarded the Man of the Match award and has decided to bow out on a major high.
There were definitely worse ways he could've hung up his boots!
Belgium team news
Belgium are currently third in Group F and likely must win to have a chance of getting through the group stage.
Roberto Martinez's side is as follows...
Team News. \ud83d\udc40 #SelectedbyPwC #CROBEL #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/N0k8wmTbCh
\u2014 Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) December 1, 2022
Croatia team news
Croatia and Belgium are also battling it out in a huge game in which the winner will progress.
Here's Croatia's XI.
...and here is #Croatia starting lineup! \ud83e\udd41 #CROBEL #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 #Family #Vatreni\u2764\ufe0f\u200d\ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com/n0Mcb66ruo
\u2014 HNS (@HNS_CFF) December 1, 2022
Morocco team news
Here's the Morocco team hoping to secure passage into the last 16 today...
\ud83d\udea8\u062a\u0634\u0643\u064a\u0644\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0646\u062a\u062e\u0628 \u0627\u0644\u0648\u0637\u0646\u064a \u0623\u0645\u0627\u0645 \u0645\u0646\u062a\u062e\u0628 \u0643\u0646\u062f\u0627
\u2014 \u00c9quipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) December 1, 2022
Starting XI :Your Atlas lions playing against Canada \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6#DimaMaghrib \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\udde6 #TeamMorocco #FIFAWorldCup @pumafootball pic.twitter.com/kJDGPxJCyf
Canada team news
The teams are in for the 3pm kick-offs!
First up... Canada.
YOUR #CANMNT STARTING XI! \u2694\ufe0f#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/KVFRUBTzhX
\u2014 Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) December 1, 2022
Senegal fans in high spirits ahead of England clash
Senegal fans aren't intimidated by the task of knocking England out of the World Cup round-of-16 on Sunday.
Fans in Qatar have been partying after edging out of Group A with a narrow 2-1 win against Ecuador on Tuesday.
One supporter was spotted carrying a World Cup trophy replica, indicating the Africans believe they can do something special this winter.
The Senegal fans are in good spirits ahead of their clash with England \ud83d\ude4c\ud83c\udfb6 pic.twitter.com/vqw4bR5wiO
\u2014 Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 1, 2022
Mexico fan destroys TV with knife after exit
A distraught Mexico fan has been filmed shouting and crying while destroying his TV after the nation's World Cup group-stage exit.
Mexico were eliminated on goal difference on Wednesday, with Argentina finishing Group C winners and Poland runners-up by one goal.
And one inconsolable supporter didn't take the outcome well, attacking his TV before picking up a kitchen knife and stabbing the glass screen...
Messi breaks silence on Lewandowski incident
Lionel Messi has broken his silence after seemingly snubbing Robert Lewandowski during Argentina's 2-0 win against Poland.
Lewandowski looked to agitate the 35-year-old during the game, prompting the latter to ignore his hand shake.
And then after full-time, Messi engaged in a private conversation with the Barcelona striker.
He has since addressed it, saying: "Lewandowski? They taught me that everything that happens on the pitch stays on the pitch, as well as in the locker room.
"Things that we say to each other in private will never come out of me."
Today's action
As we're about to strike noon, here are the games to look forward to this afternoon and evening...
3pm - Group F:
Canada vs Morocco
Croatia vs Belgium
7pm - Group E:
Costa Rica vs Germany
Japan vs Spain
Ghana reporter calls Luis Suarez 'the devil'
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has bit back after a Ghana reporter called him 'the devil himself' for his antics at the 2010 World Cup.
Suarez was sent off after saving a late shot with his hand before Asamoah Gyan missed the subsequent penalty.
Uruguay went on to win the penalty shoot-out, denying the Black Stars the honour of becoming the first ever African World Cup semi-finals.
But the veteran doesn't regret the moment, one of the most infamous in World Cup history. He responded: "I don't apologise about that. I took the handball, but the Ghana player missed the penalty.
"I'd apologise if I injured a player or took a red card for this, but I took a red card [for the handball].
"It wasn't my fault because I didn't miss the penalty. You see the player who missed the penalty, he said he would do the same."
Lionel Messi makes classy gesture
Lionel Messi made a classy gesture to boost morale among the Argentina squad after Wednesday's 2-0 win over Poland.
Messi impressed again, despite missing a penalty, to inspire his nation to top Group C and book a last-16 date with Australia.
But after being awarded his second successive Man of the Match award, the 35-year-old gifted it to Alexis MacAllister.
The Brighton midfielder was another standout player, scoring the opener within one minute of the second-half restart.
And he will never forget his first World Cup MOTM honour.
\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddf7 Lionel Messi was given the MOTM award vs Poland by FIFA,as shown on the official FIFA page.
\u2014 FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) November 30, 2022
\ud83c\udfc5Messi gave the award to Mac Allister to boost his morale after his outstanding performance vs. Poland.
\ud83e\udd29 Classy #FIFAWorldCup Act#Messi\ud80c\udcf5|#ARG|#POLARG pic.twitter.com/EdvArd8lUY
Spanish TV host apologises for 'manipulating' Luis Enrique
El Partidazo de COPE have issued an apology to Spain manager Luis Enrique for manipulating his comments during a recent Twitch stream.
Enrique is regularly streaming during the World Cup to stay in contact with fans while in camp in Qatar.
And after team psychologist Joaquin Valdes joined him earlier this week, a supporter asked in the comments how to stay calm throughout the tournament.
Enrique read out a comment saying Maria [the fan] would be 'horny' by his response, which El Partidazo de COPE made it sound like the Barca boss said himself.
But host Juanma Castano has since apologised for the distasteful broadcast...
Wales head home
Wales boss Rob Page and his squad and staff have been spotted starting their journey home from Qatar after being dumped out of the 2022 World Cup.
The Red Dragons finished rock-bottom of Group B with just one point after following up a 1-1 opening draw against the USA with a 2-0 defeat to Iran and 3-0 loss to England.
Marcus Rashford's double and Phil Foden's strike secured Wales' fate on Tuesday, while England topped the group and will face Senegal in the last 16.
\ud83d\udd34 The Wales squad and staff start their journey back home \ud83d\ude25 pic.twitter.com/hyTGUa95ZC
\u2014 Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 1, 2022
Szczesny's mid-match bet with Messi
Wojciech Szczesny has admitted he lost an £86 (€100) bet with Argentina superstar Lionel Messi during Poland's tense Group C finale on Thursday.
The Juventus stopper bet Messi that VAR wouldn't award a penalty for his 'foul' in the first-half, only for the decision to controversially go against Poland.
In the mixed zone, he said: "We spoke before the penalty. I told him I could bet him €100 that he wasn't going to give it. So I've lost a bet against Messi.
"I don't know if that's even allowed at the World Cup. I'm probably going to get banned for it. But I don't care right now. I'm not going to pay him either!"
But Szczesny emerged from the situation laughing, saving the Argentine's spot-kick as part of a heroic performance that ultimately clinched a last-16 place for his nation.
Wojciech Szczesny on his bet with Lionel Messi \ud83d\ude02\ud83e\udd23pic.twitter.com/kJhf4SU0Fh
\u2014 SPORTbible (@sportbible) November 30, 2022
Round of 16 SO FAR
The 2022 World Cup's last 16 is shaping up nicely after the first half of group-stage games...
Netherlands vs USA
England vs Senegal
Argentina vs Australia
France vs Poland
Luke Shaw gets nasty dinner surprise
Luke Shaw's England team-mates were left in stitches during dinner earlier this week after the Manchester United defender was pooed on by a bird.
Jack Grealish was in hysterics after a bird in a tree above Shaw at their Qatar team camp aimed fire while he was eating.
In some cultures, getting the same treatment by a bird is thought to bring good luck...
Is this a sign that 'football's coming home'?...
Nah, Luke Shaw got sh*t on by a bird during dinner \ud83e\udd23\ud83d\udd4a\ufe0f\ud83d\udca9#ENG | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/K4XwvgC2UW
\u2014 Football Tweet \u26bd\uea00 (@Football__Tweet) November 30, 2022
FIFA receive VAR complaint after France farce
VAR retook centre stage at the World Cup on Wednesday with a highly disputable decision to award Lionel Messi a penalty in Argentina's 2-0 win against Poland.
But before that, France's shock 1-0 defeat to Tunisia involved late VAR controversy, over which the French Football Federation have now filed a complaint to FIFA.
Didier Deschamps' side netted a stoppage-time equaliser through Antoine Griezmann, but VAR was on hand to rule it out AFTER the full-time whistle.
But the FFF are furious at the decision, writing to FIFA to complain that it was wrongly chalked off as RMC Sport report that 'an action of goal can't be the subject of a VAR review after the resumption of play'.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Spain duo
Mikel Arteta will be tuned into Spain's Group E clash against Japan tonight, and not just to support his country in the World Cup.
According to reports, Arsenal are interested in Spanish attacking duo Carlos Soler and Yeremy Pino.
Arteta may be hopeful Luis Enrique hands either fringe star minutes if Spain are cruising in the group-stage curtain-closer.
Pino is yet to play a single minute at the World Cup, but Soler came off the bench to score in the opening 7-0 win against Costa Rica.
Morning!
Hello and welcome to Express Sport's LIVE coverage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup!
It's another day in Qatar as Spain, Germany and Belgium are among nations hoping to seal their last-16 spot this evening.
Stay tuned for regular updates throughout your Thursday...