Germany suffered a second consecutive World Cup group-stage exit despite a thrilling 4-2 win over Costa Rica on a night of sensational Group E drama in Qatar.
After collecting just one point from their opening two games, four-time world champions Germany - who also exited at the group stage in 2018 - knew only a victory at Al Bayt Stadium on Thursday night would give them any chance of progressing to the last 16.
But despite securing the result they needed, Japan scored a controversial winner to beat Spain and send Hansi Flick's side out of the tournament due to the Spaniards' superior goal difference.
