Costa Rica vs Germany LIVE: World Cup 2022 result and reaction as Germany win but go out
Germany meet Costa Rica in a must-win Group E match at the 2022 World Cup this evening as they look to secure a place in the last-16.
The five-time world champions are on the brink since a shock defeat to Japan in their opening game but were rescued by a late goal against Spain to keep them in the tournament.
To qualify they need to defeat Costa Rica and hope that Spain avoid losing to Japan in the other fixture.
Costa Rica could also qualify after a win against Japan last time out. Their goal difference is terrible following a 7-0 thrashing to Spain meaning they must better Japan’s result tonight to qualify ahead of Germany.
Follow the action with or live blog below:
Costa Rica vs Germany
Germany suffer shock World Cup exit despite win over Costa Rica in final Group E match
90’ GOAL! Fullkrug adds a fourth after lengthy VAR check (CRC 2-4 GER)
85’ GOAL! Havertz has his second, and a lead for Germany (CRC 2-3)
71’ GOAL! Havertz replies to draw Germany level (CRC 2-2 GER)
70’ GOAL! Vargas converts as scrappy Costa Rica goal earns shock lead (CRC 2-1 GER)
67’ POST! Musiala with a rocket and the woodwork saves Costa Rica with Navas beaten (CRC 1-1 GER)
58’ GOAL! A stunner as Tejeda bundles home after Neuer spills (CRC 1-1 GER)
42’ WHAT A SAVE! Fuller capitalises on Rudiger’s mistake but Neuer denies his wild volley at goal (CRC 0-1 GER)
36’ CHANCE! Musiala dribbles into the box and then loses balance, slicing wide (CRC 0-1 GER)
15’ SAVE! Another good chance for Germany, Goretzka stretching and heads from close range as Navas stands tall (CRC 0-1)
10’ GOAL! Gnabry with a powerful header to put Germany in front (CRC 0-1 GER)
85’ GOAL! Havertz has his second, and a lead for Germany (CRC 2-3)
2’ SAVE! Navas pushes away Musiala’s fierce strike (CRC 0-0 GER)
FT Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
21:00 , Michael Jones
Group E finishes with Japan on six points, Spain on four (+6 GD), Germany on four (+1 GD) and Costa Rica on three.
What a group, what a night, what a result for Japan!
Full-time: Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
20:56 , Michael Jones
90+10 mins: Germany are out of the World Cup!
Japan have beaten Spain 2-1 to finish top of Group E. Spain have a better goal difference than Germany meaning that they finish second in the group and get through as well.
The five time world champions are knocked out in the group stages for a second World Cup in a row! They’ve won the match against Costa Rica but fail to qualify.
Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
20:53 , Michael Jones
90+7 mins: All the German fans inside the stadium will be glued to their phones right now. They’re waiting for news of a Spanish goal but time is running out.
There can only be a few seconds left in that match. As it stands Germany will win the game but lose out on a place in the last-16.
Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
20:51 , Michael Jones
90+5 mins: Kai Havertz scored his first World Cup goal for Germany from his first shot on target. He is also the second German to score a brace as a sub at the World Cup after Andre Schurrle in 2014 vs Brazil.
His efforts might not be enough to get Germany through though.
Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
20:49 , Michael Jones
90+2 mins: There’s going to be 10 minutes of added time to play here with Germany having won the game.
The fate of Group E now comes down to Spain vs Japan. If Spain score Germany go through, if they don’t Japan reach the last-16.
GOAL! Costa Rica 2-4 Germany (Fullkrug, 89’)⚽️
20:47 , Michael Jones
89 mins: VAR overturns the on field decision and Germany have a fourth goal!
DISALLOWED! Costa Rica 2-3 Germany
20:46 , Michael Jones
89 mins: Joshua Kimmich flicks the ball over the top and picks out Leroy Sane in the box. Sane chests the ball down to Niclas Fullkrug who turns the ball into the back of the net only to get flagged for offside.
VAR are taking a look at this though.
Costa Rica 2-3 Germany
20:44 , Michael Jones
88 mins: This group is going down to the wire. As it stands Spain are going through ahead of Germany due to goal difference. If Spain score then Germany would go through having scored more goals than Japan.
Germany have done what they can and now need Spain to do them a huge favour.
GOAL! Costa Rica 2-3 Germany (Havertz, 85’)⚽️
20:41 , Michael Jones
85 mins: Germany are not done yet!
Serge Gnabry brings the ball down the right wing and curls a decent cross into the box. It skips through the six-yard area and bounces up to Kai Havertz who arrives at the back post for a tap in!
Germany are back in front but they need another goal and they need Spain to score.
Costa Rica 2-2 Germany
20:39 , Michael Jones
82 mins: Inside the last 10 minutes of the 90 now. Can Costa Rica score? Substitute Ronald Matarrita is sent sprinting after the ball as it’s played down the left wing and he carries it all the way to the byline before putting a low pass into the box.
He’s got one team mate to aim for but Antonio Rudiger gets back in time to intercept.
Costa Rica 2-2 Germany
20:36 , Michael Jones
79 mins: As time ticks by things are looking bleak for Germany. They need to score twice and hope for a goal from Spain to get themselves into the knockout rounds.
A goal for Costa Rica will send them through though. Which way is this group going to go?
Costa Rica 2-2 Germany
20:29 , Michael Jones
76 mins: Save! Navas denies Fullkrug! What a game this has turned into!
Germany break down the left wing with Musiala driving the ball forward. He slips Leroy Sane into the box before a squared pass comes over to Fullkrug at the back post.
He shoots with a first time effort but Navas has the angle covered and stops the ball with his head!
GOAL! Costa Rica 2-1 Germany (Vargas, 70’)⚽️
20:26 , Michael Jones
70 mins: Oh my god! Costa Rica win a free kick over on the left wing and swing it over to the far side of the box. It gets headed into the six yard area where Oscar Duarte flicks it on to Juan Pablo Vargas.
He scuffs a shot into Manuel Neuer but the ball comes loose, hits the Costa Rican defender and then bounces over the line! It’s a scrappy goal but Costa Rica are ahead against Germany!
Costa Rica 1-1 Germany
20:23 , Michael Jones
67 mins: Gotze and Havertz replace David Raum and Thomas Muller. Costa Rica are camped deep in their own half now as Jamal Musiala brings the ball to the edge of the box.
He shoots and rattles the right hand post! It’s the third time Germany have struck the woodwork since the equaliser!
Costa Rica 1-1 Germany
20:22 , Michael Jones
64 mins: Mario Gotze and Kai Havertz are getting prepared to come on for Germany. They need to score at least two goals to be in with a shout of qualifying and then they have to hope Spain score against Japan.
Costa Rica 1-1 Germany
20:19 , Michael Jones
61 mins: How about this for a permutation? If Costa Rica score again then both Spain and Germany could get knocked out of the World Cup.
Germany are the ones in the ascendancy though, they’re peppering Keylor Navas’ goal at the minute.
GOAL! Costa Rica 1-1 Germany (Tejeda,58’)⚽️
20:15 , Michael Jones
58 mins: Costa Rica are level! A lovely counter-attack from Costa Rica sees Keysher Fuller sweep into the box and lift a cross over to Youstin Sala who nods the ball straight at Manuel Neuer.
The German goalkeeper palms it away but Yeltsin Tejeda is first to react and guides the ball home!
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
20:13 , Michael Jones
57 mins: Niclas Fullkrug comes on now for Germany to replace Ilkay Gundogan as the Germans are now in desperate need of goals. Japan have scored a second goal against Spain and are now top of Group E.
To qualify Germany need to score six goals or hope Spain make a comeback against Japan!
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
20:10 , Michael Jones
54 mins: Musiala looks to be growing frustrated out there. He makes another decent run to the byline before cutting inside and trying to set up Thomas Muller with a cutback.
Juan Pablo Vargas gets ahead of the forward though and clears the danger for Costa Rica.
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
20:07 , Michael Jones
51 mins: What a surprise!
Japan have equalised against Spain and now move ahead of Germany in the Group E standings. Both Japan and Germany are level on points and goal difference so a goal from Spain or Germany will see Hansi Flick’s side get through.
That news will be filtering through to the German team right now.
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
20:05 , Michael Jones
48 mins: Ilkay Gundogan swings a cross field pass over to David Raum who sends the ball up to Jamal Musiala. Musiala drives at the defence and goes around two players before getting stopped just inside the box.
He’s not short on confidence at all.
Second half: Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
20:02 , Michael Jones
Costa Rica get the match back underway as they search for an equaliser. Germany quickly win possession of the ball though with Niklas Sule bringing it past the halfway line as the South American side drop deep.
HT Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
20:00 , Michael Jones
Serge Gnabry’s 21st goal for Germany was his first international goal scored with his head. He is the first German to score a headed goal at the World Cup since Mats Hummels in 2014 vs. France.
HT Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:56 , Michael Jones
In the other Group E match of the night Spain lead Japan 1-0 at half-time meaning that as it stands both Spain and Germany will be heading into the last-16.
Japan need to defeat Spain to pip the Germans into second place.
HT Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:52 , Michael Jones
Serge Gnabry sent Germany ahead with just 10 minutes on the clock but Germany will be irked that they didn’t add to their lead.
Half-time: Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:48 , Michael Jones
45+1 mins: Germany go into the break with a slender one goal lead. Costa Rica had a great chance to equalise right at the end of the half but Manuel Neuer denied Keysher Fuller a second World Cup goal.
Hansi Flick will want his team to score again to be certain of a victory here. He’ll be remembering the Japan game where Germany shipped two goals in eight minutes.
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:43 , Michael Jones
42 mins: Save! A simple long ball up the pitch from Costa Rica sees David Raum miss the ball as he attempts to control it before Antonio Rudiger has his pocket picked by Keysher Fuller.
He touches the ball into the box and shoots but Manuel Neuer is on hand to push the ball over the top of the crossbar!
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:40 , Michael Jones
39 mins: Close! Raum sends a throw in up to Thomas Muller who dinks the ball into the box for Serge Gnabry who flicks and spins his way into space before curling a decent effort just wide of the far post!
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:37 , Michael Jones
36 mins: Chance! Serge Gnabry flicks a pass round the corner to play Jamal Musiala into the box. The youngster shuffles past two defenders before poking a right-footed shot wide of the far post!
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:35 , Michael Jones
35 mins: Close! With nothing really on for him Kimmich has a go from range and blasts a dipping shot towards goal. It’s a good effort but Keylor Navas gets in behind it.
The goalkeeper spills the ball though and Thomas Muller almost pounces but Kendall Watson holds him off allowing Navas to leap on top of it.
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:34 , Michael Jones
33 mins: Costa Rica are set deep and are holding their line refusing to come out and engage Germany’s creative players. Joshua Kimmich whips in a cross from the right side but overhits it and can’t pick out a teammate.
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:33 , Michael Jones
30 mins: Costa Rica seemingly have six men in the back line yet still Germany are finding loads of space in the final third. Ilkay Gundogan tries to float in a cross but his effort is charged down.
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:28 , Michael Jones
27 mins: David Raum swings a corner into the box for Germany - it’s their fifth of the match - but Costa Rica deal with this one easily enough.
The don’t keep the ball for long as the Germans recover the clearance and look to attack once again.
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:26 , Michael Jones
24 mins: Serge Gnabry weaves his way into a packed penalty area as Costa Rica get men behind the ball. It comes out to David Raum who pulls the ball back to Jamal Musiala but his snapshot doesn’t get through the cluster of bodies.
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:23 , Michael Jones
21 mins: Germany have settled down a bit since they scored. They’re still in complete control of the match but aren’t feeding it into the final third with as much gusto as the opening 10 minutes.
You wouldn’t put it past them adding one or two more before half-time though.
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:19 , Michael Jones
18 mins: Joel Campbell thinks he’s won a corner for Costa Rica after taking on Niklas Sule and seeing the ball go behind but the forward was offside as the ball came up to him so Germany are awarded a free kick.
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:17 , Michael Jones
15 mins: Chance! Leon Goretzka darts through the Costa Rican defence as the ball is chipped into the box from the right side of the pitch.
The German midfielder is wide open and nods the ball towards goal only to be denied by a good save from Keylor Navas!
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
19:14 , Michael Jones
13 mins: In the other fixture of the night in Group E, Alvaro Morata has sent Spain in front against Japan. That means both European side will be heading into the knockout rounds.
GOAL! Costa Rica 0-1 Germany (Gnabry, 10’)⚽️
19:10 , Michael Jones
10 mins: Just what Hansi Flick ordered!
This time Germany sweep down the left wing with David Raum getting forward from his position at left-back. He hangs a perfect cross into the box where Serge Gnabry has positioned himself in space.
There’s work still to do for the forward but he works his header over to the far side of the goal leaving the goalkeeper no chance to reach it.
Germany take the lead.
Costa Rica 0-0 Germany
19:10 , Michael Jones
9 mins: Chance! Joshua Kimmich swings a cross into the box from the right wing and picks out Thomas Muller. He throws himself at the ball and heads his effort wide of the near post!
Costa Rica 0-0 Germany
19:09 , Michael Jones
8 mins: Jamal Musiala gives Costa Rica a look at why he’s so dangerous by going on a twisting run into the box and dancing past three of four defenders.
He tries to lay the ball off instead of shooting though and gifts the Costa Ricans the chance to boot the ball clear.
Costa Rica 0-0 Germany
19:06 , Michael Jones
5 mins: Serge Gnabry makes a nice run into the left side of the box and has a prodded effort stopped at the near post by the goalkeeper but the flag goes up for offside anyway.
It’s hard to see anything other than a Germany win with the way they’ve started this game.
Costa Rica 0-0 Germany
19:03 , Michael Jones
2 mins: Save! Germany are on top immediately. They work the ball down the left wing before sending it inside to Jamal Musiala. He cuts onto his right foot and runs into the space on the edge of the box before smoking a shot towards goal.
Keylor Navas sees it early and drops to his left before punching it behind for a corner.
Kick off: Costa Rica 0-0 Germany
19:01 , Michael Jones
Germany kick off the match and work the ball over to Joshua Kimmich on the right side of the defence. He sends the ball into midfield where Ilkay Gundogan tries and fails to properly bring it under control.
Costa Rica vs Germany
18:55 , Michael Jones
The players make their way out onto the pitch.
Tonight’s match breaks new ground in that it is the first World Cup game in men’s professional football to be refereed by a team of women.
The national anthems are played. Costa Rica need a win, Germany need a win. Let’s see who comes out on top.
Flick on facing Costa Rica
18:51 , Michael Jones
“When you look at the table Costa Rica have a chance to reach the round of 16. A draw, and a win for Spain, is enough for them to advance,” said German boss Hansi Flick.
“I expect from Costa Rica a defensive performance as they did it against Japan. We have to find solutions against that. I think it would show a lack of respect to Costa Rica to talk about scoring eight goals. We will be happy if we win it and that is our aim.
“We want to try to decide it for us from the start. But to come back from that 7-0 and deliver such a defensive performance against Japan deserves respect.”
“We have the qualification not entirely in our own hands but what is pressure?... I feel no pressure. Not after the game against Japan either. I am convinced we are on a good path.”
Costa Rica vs Germany
18:45 , Michael Jones
The warm-ups are done and dusted and kick off is 15 minutes away.
This is another pressure filled game for Germany who are on the brink of being knocked out of the World Cup. Can they step up once again and defeat Costa Rica tonight?
Costa Rica vs Germany
18:40 , Michael Jones
Germany’s know what they need to do. Win or else their tournament is over.
Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala will need to be on fire in front of goal if Germany are to make it through to the last-16.
They should have enough quality to get past Costa Rica but they’ve been shocked already in this tournament.
Costa Rica vs Germany
18:35 , Michael Jones
What result will the fans see tonight? Can Germany reach the knockout rounds from the last chance saloon or will Costa Rica secure another memorable win and head into the last-16?
Could Flick depart head coach role?
18:30 , Michael Jones
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed that he will be leaving his role as the national manager after his team were knocked out of the World Cup but could Hansi Flick join him?
Germany are in danger of being eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage for the second tournament in a row but the head coach has no plans about leaving his position should that occur.
"I have a contract until 2024 and I look forward to the home Euros (in 2024) but it is a long time until then," said Flick, who took over from Joachim Low in August 2021.
"We want to kill off the game early to pile pressure on the other group game. We have to have the attitude we showed against Spain."
Female referees will make history in Qatar – here’s what they can expect
18:25 , Michael Jones
“History will be made in Qatar for the Fifa World Cup 2022, with the appointment of six female match officials for the first time.
“Referees Stephanie Frappart from France, Salima Mukansanga from Rwanda and Yoshimi Yamashita from Japan – as well as assistant referees Neuza Back from Brazil, Karen Diaz Medina from Mexico and Kathryn Nesbitt from the USA – represent a cadre of female referees breaking through to the elite men’s level.
“The 36 referees, 69 assistant referees and 24 video match officials (VMOs) chosen to go to Qatar represent the highest level of refereeing worldwide.
“The appointment of female match officials to Qatar 2022 has been achieved thanks to a long-term plan. This involved their appointment to men’s junior and senior Fifa tournaments in preparation for the world’s most important tournament.”
Keith Hackett: Female refs will make history in Qatar – here’s what they can expect
Costa Rica vs Germany referee: Who is World Cup 2022 official Stephanie Frappart?
18:20 , Michael Jones
All eyes will be on Costa Rica vs Germany on Thursday evening at the World Cup, for multiple reasons.
For starters it’s a decisive Group E fixture and all four teams can still make the last 16 or go home early. And it’s also a game in which history will be made, as Stephanie Frappart will be referee - the first time a female has officiated a men’s World Cup fixture.
The French official will be assisted by Brazilian Neuza Back and Mexican Karen Diaz, as part of an all-female on-field team selected by Fifa.
Breaking barriers is nothing new for the 38-year-old, with Frappart’s performances earning her a role in Ligue 1, France’s top-flight league for men, since 2019.
Who is Costa Rica vs Germany referee at the World Cup?
Belgium’s golden generation spurn last chance at World Cup glory
18:15 , Michael Jones
A golden generation has lost its gilding. The most talented group of Belgian footballers in living memory have spurned their last chance at glory, instead exiting at the group stages of what is surely their last World Cup together. At the final whistle, their best player Kevin De Bruyne was staring into the middle distance, their one-time world-beating talent Eden Hazard was contemplating his role as an ineffective late substitute and their supreme goalscorer Romelu Lukaku was lamenting a series of barely believable missed chances.
For Roberto Martinez, the manager who has come closest to fulfilling this squad’s almost limitless potential, it is surely his final act in charge. It would be tempting to say that the recriminations will come over the next few days for him and his players if not for the fact that they had started already. Talk of a divided squad past its sell-by date has undercut this last dance since the start of their tournament and will now only grow louder.
Croatia progress from Group F but only as runners-up, which is perhaps evidence of their own powers being on the wane. Zlatko Dalic’s side still had just enough about their careful possession play to earn the goalless draw and the point that they required to be sure of reaching the last 16, though their opponents in Al Wakrah on Monday will not have been overly intimidated by what they saw. With Morocco beating Canada to top the group, if it were not for some extraordinary Lukaku misses, Croatia may easily have exited themselves.
Belgium’s golden generation spurn last chance at World Cup glory
Roberto Martinez stands down as Belgium manager after World Cup exit
18:10 , Michael Jones
Roberto Martinez has confirmed that he will leave his role as manager of Belgium after they exited the 2022 World Cup.
The former Everton boss, who was in charge of the Red Devils for six years, guided them to third place in Russia four years ago and was at the helm for a three-and-a-half year spell as Fifa’s No 1 ranked side.
But a deeply disappointing tournament in Qatar, where a defeat by Morocco and a draw with Croatia ensured a group-stage exit, has seen him opt to walk away.
“That was my last game”, he said afterwards at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. “It’s emotional as you can imagine.”
Martinez’s side were improved against the 2018 finalists but substitute Romelu Lukaku, in particular, failed to take a number of second-half chances, the draw not enough as Croatia progressed in their place.
Roberto Martinez stands down as Belgium manager after World Cup exit
Suarez aiming for knockout rounds
18:04 , Michael Jones
Costa Rica’s coach Luis Fernando Suarez hopes his side can emulate the Costa Rican team from 2014 who reached the World Cup last-16 ahead of England and Italy.
"Eight years have gone by and players have changed but you have good memories," said Colombian Suarez.
"Maybe it’s down to the genes of the Costa Ricans. When they reach a World Cup they do things differently and they play well. I’m not just talking about 2014 in Brazil, I think also about Italy 1990.
"They reached the last 16 when no-one believed in them. They are never the favourites, which is good.
"We need to be emotionally strong and break our backs in this match. If Germany is knocked out it would be a major thing and we would be proud to be responsible for that."
Hansi Flick reverses roles after Japan loss as substitutes save Germany against Spain
17:58 , Michael Jones
If substitutes were Germany’s nemeses against Japan, a replacement turned their rescuer against Spain. Hansi Flick was outwitted as Hajime Moriyasu’s changes conjured a famous win for the Japanese. Flick could at least savour the sense of a role reversal when Niclas Fullkrug lashed a shot past Unai Simon after a move that involved another whom Flick had introduced, in Leroy Sane. Germany, who had conceded in the 83rd minute to Japan, scored in it against Spain.
Given the gulf in class at times, they may not have deserved a draw. Yet for decades, Germany were the specialists in prevailing, whether emphatically or efficiently, on penalties or within regulation time. They pilfered a point.
Now a team accustomed to finals in the truest sense of the phrase face another. There is a finality to their game against Costa Rica. There can be a gratitude towards their opponents, too. Given Spain’s superior goal difference, a draw at the Al-Bayt Stadium would have all but eliminated Germany if, as expected, Japan beat a side coming off a 7-0 walloping. Yet if the most important goal of Germany’s World Cup has been scored in previous years by Helmut Rahn, Gerd Muller, Andreas Brehme or Mario Gotze. in 2022 it has come courtesy not of Fullkrug, but of Keysher Fuller. If the name scarcely sounds Germanic, he is from Costa Rica, not Cologne and plies his trade for Herediano, not Hannover.
Hansi Flick reverses roles after Japan loss as substitutes save Germany against Spain
Costa Rica vs Germany line-up
17:47 , Michael Jones
Germany XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Sule, Raum; Goretzka, Gundogan, Sane; Musiala, Gnabry, Muller
Costa Rica XI: Navas; Duarte, Waston, Vargas; Fuller, Borges, Tejeda, Oviedo; Aguilera, Venegas, Campbell
Referee’s appointment hailed as breakthrough for ‘very sexist’ football
17:45 , Michael Jones
Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suarez believes the milestone appointment of a female referee at the men’s World Cup is a major step forward for the “very sexist” football industry.
France’s Stephanie Frappart will make history on Thursday as the first woman to take charge of a match at the men’s tournament when she oversees the crunch clash between Suarez’s side and Germany.
The 38-year-old will lead an all-female on-field team after FIFA selected Neuza Back of Brazil and Mexico’s Karen Diaz Medina as her assistants.
Germany must win the Group E match to stay in contention for the knockout stages, while Costa Rica can guarantee a last-16 spot with victory.
First female World Cup referee hailed as breakthrough for ‘very sexist’ football
Costa Rica vs Germany early team news and predicted line-ups
17:40 , Michael Jones
Costa Rican defender Francisco Calvo picked up a second yellow card against Japan and is suspended. Hansi Flick has no fresh injury concerns and must choose betweern Thomas Muller or Niclas Fullkrug in attack.
Predicted line-ups
Costa Rica: Navas, Fuller, Duarte, Chacon, Watson, Oviedo, Torres, Borges, Tejeda, Campbell, Contreras.
Germany: Neuer, Klostermann, Sule, Rudiger, Rau, Kimmich, Gundogan, Gnabry, Musiala, Sane, Fullkrug.
Referee Stephanie Frappart to make World Cup history as part of all-female team
17:36 , Michael Jones
French referee Stephanie Frappart will make World Cup history as part of an all-female officiating team when she takes charge of Germany’s match against Costa Rica on Thursday.
Frappart will become the first female official to referee a men’s World Cup match, while Brazilian Neuza Back and Mexican Karen Diaz will be the assistant referees for the Group E match.
Frappart, the fourth official for the Poland-Mexico clash in Group C last week, will be the main referee as she reaches another milestone in the sport.
Referee Stephanie Frappart to make World Cup history as part of all-female team
Costa Rica vs Germany
17:31 , Michael Jones
Still to come tonight. Costa Rica are taking on Germany in a winner-takes-all clash in Group E.
Hansi Flick’s Germany are bottom of the group with just one point from their two matches and must win tonight if they want to make it through to the next round.
They also need Spain to avoid defeat to Japan to make it happen.
Costa Rica’s best chance of qualifying is to beat Germany and also hope that Spain do them a favour.
Reaction from Roberto Martinez
17:28 , Michael Jones
“It’s not easy to win games in the World Cup. We weren’t ourselves in first game we had a deserved defeat in second game. Today we were ready, we created opportunities and today there is 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. It’s not what names are on the pitch the legacy can be left in many ways.
“No, we wanted to get through but I’m sure the other national teams wanted to get through and that’s the tournament. In the previous World Cup we won three games in the group stage, we wanted to go all the way.”
Croatia midfield delivers calmness and control amid the chaos
17:20 , Michael Jones
Croatia know how to deliver when it matters most. Finalists four years ago, this group are battle-hardened in knockout football, this game to close out Group F - a lose and go home match one round early - playing right into their hands. In what would be a heated contest with much to gain and everything to lose, they needed cool heads. Fortunately for them, they had the three coolest in the stadium.
Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic have seen it all in the colours of their national team, veterans and star turns of this gilded run of a golden group of players. Croatia saw off Denmark, Russia and England, all via extra time, to reach the final in Russia back in 2018. They know how to win in these moments. Crucially for this one here, they also know how not to lose.
Safe in the knowledge that a point would secure progress to the last 16, a performance of calmness and control among the was desperately required. And the three safest hands of all helped deliver it.
Croatia midfield delivers calmness and control amid the chaos
FT Croatia 0-0 Belgium
17:15 , Michael Jones
Is this the end of the road for Roberto Martinez?
The Belgium manager’s contract comes to an end following this World Cup and after such disappointment it would be a surprise if he wasn’t offered an extension.
FT Croatia 0-0 Belgium
17:12 , Michael Jones
Croatia performed brilliantly to keep Belgium out. They only needed a draw to get through to the last-16 and made sure they kept a clean sheet.
FT Croatia 0-0 Belgium
17:09 , Michael Jones
Romelu Lukaku attempted five shots, the joint-highest total for a Belgium player in a match at the 2022 World Cup.
FT Croatia 0-0 Belgium
17:06 , Michael Jones
What a campaign from Morocco.
They completed a 2-1 win over Canada to top a group which included two of the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 1986.
Croatia sneak through having played out two goalless draws either side of a 4-1 win over Canada.
Croatia vs Belgium player ratings: Romelu Lukaku abysmal as ‘golden generation’ turns to rust
17:03 , Michael Jones
Belgium crashed out of the Qatar World Cup on Thursday after drawing 0-0 with Croatia, while Morocco beat Canada 2-1 elsewhere in Group F.
Belgium had underwhelmed against Canada in their tournament opener but snatched a 1-0 win, before suffering a critical 2-0 defeat by Morocco.
Meanwhile, Croatia had drawn 0-0 with Morocco then breezed past Canada 4-1, putting themselves in a promising position to reach the last 16.
They sealed their spot with a point here, while Morocco qualified top of Group F due to their victory over Canada.
Here’s how the players fared:
Croatia vs Belgium player ratings: Romelu Lukaku abysmal in front of goal
FT Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:58 , Michael Jones
Belgium, the number two ranked side in the world, have been eliminated from the World Cup.
Full-time: Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:55 , Michael Jones
90+4 mins: There’s the final whistle. Belgium are out of the World Cup!
They could get past Croatia’s defence, couldn’t pick up three points today and as a result Roberto Martinez’s golden generation have been knocked out in the group stages!
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:53 , Michael Jones
90+2 mins: Another chance! Thorgan Hazard knocks the ball into the six-yard box as Belgium break down Croatia. Romelu Lukaku is hovering but Josko Gvardiol stretches at the ball and pokes it wide of the big striker!
What a block from the defender.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:51 , Michael Jones
90 mins: Oh no! Jeremy Doku weaves his way through the box and slides a pass to Thorgan Hazard who floats a perfect pass into the six-yard box.
He drops the ball over Dejan Lovran and picks out Romelu Lukaku who lets the ball hit him in the chest but then miscontrols it. Dominik Livakovic leaps onto the loose ball and smothers the danger.
Four minutes of added time to play!
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:47 , Michael Jones
87 mins: Chance! Timothy Castagne floats a cross over to the far side of the box where Thomas Meunier volleys a pass into Romelu Lukaku.
The forward has no time to react but sticks out a leg and deflects the ball wide of the post!
Eden Hazard comes on to replace Meunier after that move.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:45 , Michael Jones
84 mins: Eden Hazard is coming on for the final minutes. He is the last card that Roberto Martinez has left to play. The Belgium captain will have mere minutes to influence his country’s World Cup destiny.
As it stands Belgium are going out. They need a goal.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:41 , Michael Jones
81 mins: Into the final 10 minutes with both teams creating chances. Croatia’s two substitutes are linking up well in the Belgium final third but they’ve yet to create a clear chance.
Juranovic storms forward to help out and receives the ball. He carries it into the box but his cutback finds Axel Witsel who boots it clear.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:38 , Michael Jones
78 mins: Thorgan Hazard wins a corner then swings it into the middle of the penalty area. He finds Jan Vertonghen but Mario Pasalic turns it behind.
The referee thinks the ball has gone out off the Belgium defender though and awards Croatia a goal kick.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:36 , Michael Jones
75 mins: Croatia have nine men behind the ball as De Bruyne slides a pass over to Tielemans on the right side of the pitch. He whips in a cross but there’s only Romelu Lukaku in the box and he’s easily marked.
Croatia clear their lines.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:32 , Michael Jones
73 mins: Martinez is throwing as many attack minded players on the pitch as he can. The longer the game goes on the more Croatia will go into their shells and try to hold out for a draw.
Belgium are still searching for this goal. Will Romelu Lukaku end up ruing his missed chance?
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:31 , Michael Jones
71 mins: Roberto Martinez is animatedly talking to Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku on the sidelines as he prepares more changes.
Leander Dendoncker and Yannick Carrasco are the two men replaced.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:27 , Michael Jones
66 mins: Andrej Kramaric and Marko Livaja are substituted off for Croatia with Mario Pasalic and Bruno Petkovic replacing them.
Petkovic gets involved straight away, setting Luka Modric up for a shot but the midfielder can’t keep the bouncing, bobbling ball from rising over the goal.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:25 , Michael Jones
63 mins: The replays show that Josip Juranovic got a slight deflection on Lukaku’s effort which took the ball onto the post. That could be a monumental block if Croatia end up going through.
De Bruyne lifts another cross onto Lukaku’s head but he puts the effort over the crossbar this time. The ball had rolled over the byline though before De Bruyne passed it so any goal wouldn’t have counted.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:21 , Michael Jones
60 mins: Off the woodwork! How has Lukaku missed this?
On the half turn Kevin De Bruyne slides a pass into the box for Yannick Carrasco who shrugs off a defender and pokes the ball at goal forcing Dominik Livakovic into a sharp save.
The ball rebounds out to Romelu Lukaku who fizzes a right-footed shot at goal and drills it into the nearest post!
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:17 , Michael Jones
57 mins: Sosa is played into space on the left hand side allowing him to lift another cross into the box for Croatia but he puts it too close to Courtois who plucks the ball out of the add.
Thorgan Hazard is then introduced as a replacement for Leandro Trossard.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:14 , Michael Jones
54 mins: Save! Thibaut Courtois is called into action once more. Sosa floats a chipped pass into the box for Livaja who chests it down before giving the ball to Kovacic.
He feeds it across to Brozovic who drills a shot at goal and forces the Belgium goalkeeper into a sharp stop to his right!
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:10 , Michael Jones
51 mins: Save! Croatia seem to have sensed more purpose from Belgium and sweep up the pitch to create a chance of their own. Josko Gvardiol dances into the area before sliding a pass over to Mateo Kovacic who curls an effort at goal that Thibaut Courtois tips over the crossbar!
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:09 , Michael Jones
48 mins: Belgium are immediately playing better. Romelu Lukaku gives them a focal point in the penalty area, giving Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard someone to aim for.
They work the ball slickly over to the right side where De Bruyne has a cross knocked out for a corner. The ball comes back to midfielder following the set piece and his lifts one over to the back post where Lukaku meets it with a header and sends the ball into the arms of Domink Livakovic.
Second half: Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:05 , Michael Jones
Kick off: Roberto Martinez makes a change at half-time with Romelu Lukaku coming on to replace Dries Mertens. Can Belgium’s record goalscorer send them through to the knockout rounds?
Belgium kick off the second half desperately needing a goal.
HT Croatia 0-0 Belgium
16:02 , Michael Jones
The other Group F match of the day currently has Morocco leading 2-1 at half-time. As it stands Morocco are winning the group with Croatia edging through at the expense of Belgium.
The Red Devils need a goal.
HT Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:56 , Michael Jones
Half-time: Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:50 , Michael Jones
45+4 mins: Goalless at the break. A dull affair comes to a close with both needs desperately needing to inject some momentum into proceedings.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:45 , Michael Jones
45 mins: Four minutes of added time to play before the end of the half.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:44 , Michael Jones
44 mins: The debate will be whether Belgium are purposefully being cautious to avoid a Croatia goal or whether they just aren’t creative enough to compete at this World Cup.
Roberto Martinez’s men have only scored once in their two and a half games so far and are seemingly bereft of ideas without Romelu Lukaku up top.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:42 , Michael Jones
41 mins: Nearly! Thomas Meunier brings the ball down the right and slides in Leander Dendoncker on the overlap. He carries the ball into the box and pulls it back but a deflection from Josko Gvardiol sends it through the six-yard area to safety.
Encouraging signs from Belgium though.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:40 , Michael Jones
38 mins: Morocco have added to their lead against Canada so the Canadians are unlikely to do Belgium any favours. The Red Devils need to get themselves out of the mess they’ve created.
At the minute though that looks unlikely.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:37 , Michael Jones
35 mins: A misplaced pass into Luka Modric gets intercepted by Leandro Trossard who carries it up towards goal.
He holds onto the ball too long though which allows Ivan Perisic to get back and clear the danger just as Trossard tries to find Kevin De Bruyne on the right side of the penalty area.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:33 , Michael Jones
32 mins: Close! Croatia get forward down the left wing and feed Borna Sosa into the byline. He swings a good cross into the box and finds Marko Livaja who rises above two defenders before nodding an effort wide of the left-hand post!
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:30 , Michael Jones
29 mins: It’s been a tepid half an hour or so barring Perisic’s early chance and the penalty debacle. Neither team is moving the ball quickly and both look content to hold their shape and slowly make their way up the pitch.
Belgium need some impetus, they’re the ones that have to win. Croatia can draw 0-0 and still get through.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:25 , Michael Jones
26 mins: The crowd erupts as the current group standings are shown on the big screen. Belgium are holding onto possession but they aren’t doing much with it.
A cross into the box is easily cleared by Brozovic who wins the ball back for Croatia.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:24 , Michael Jones
23 mins: Belgium just look a little slow in their play. It’s as though they’re not sure how best to attack Croatia and by the time they’ve figured it out the Croatians have pressed and are on top of them.
Croatia 0-0 Belgium
15:20 , Michael Jones
20 mins: Belgium will feel as though they got away with one there. Luka Modric was all set to smash home the spot kick before it got overturned.
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