We had ups and downs just when you thought we had achieved peak chaos. Costa Rica, Germany, Japan, and Spain were all knocked out of the World Cup at some point. We will bring you the latest from the tournament, so be sure to keep an eye out for us. Here are the things you might have missed from the World Cup on Thursday. - World Cup news, features, previews and more
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At halftime of both of Thursday's late matches, it seemed as though one of the World Cup's more intriguing groups would fall in line as predicted: previous winners Spain and Germany would advance.
Germany joined Costa Rica on the outside looking in as Japan beat Spain to top Group E.
Spain and Germany were in control against Japan and Costa Rica, respectively, after the first goal by Alvaro Morata. Tables were turned, the script was flipped, and there was chaos at the tournament.
Both Costa Rica and Japan came out of their locker rooms with two goals in their games, and all of a sudden it was all up for grabs. Costa Rica, who had lost to Spain but rebounded to beat Japan, was in the driver's seat for a short time.
The group winner was Japan, aided by a controversial VAR decision, who held off Spain. Spain's superior goal difference was too much for Germany to overcome.
Is that Japan goal?
Japan's second goal was the decisive one. The ball was put into the net by Ao Tanaka in the 51st minute. When the assistant's flag went up, the ball was initially ruled over the line by the VAR.
Is it possible to see it? Is it not sure? The VAR decision and the goal that sealed Germany's World Cup fate can be found here.
Dale Johnson explains why the VAR didn't rule on Japan's second goal.
The era for Germany may be over.
Germany did what it was supposed to do. They beat Costa Rica despite falling behind in the second half thanks to Kai Havertz and Niclas Fullkrug. Japan's controversial goal and Spain's goal difference from their win over Costa Rica were costly.
It's a bitter way for Germany to leave the World Cup. Four-time winners of the World Cup are out of the group stage for the second year in a row.
The result could lead to a major change in German soccer, with Hansi Flick's position as coach now vulnerable. It's possible that long-serving players such as Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze, Antonio Rudiger, and Ilkay Gundogan will end up being the last ones to play for their country.
Germany's World Cup exit is a debacle, according to Archie Rhind-Tutt.
Morocco was able to get into the round of 16.
Morocco's win that put them into the World Cup round of 16 as Group F winners was kickstarted by an unfortunate error that led to the opening goal.
Croatia doesn't have a golden generation trophy.
Croatia, World Cup runners-up in 2018, stay alive and send a star-studded but disappointing Belgium side home.
What are the missing men doing?
Whether due to not qualifying or injury, some of the sport's biggest names are still staying busy (or relaxing).
If you're looking to bet on the World Cup, Paul Carr, Dan Thomas and Dalen Cuff are here to give you key tips. We have what you need for Friday's matches.
Group G had a draw with Brazil.
Don't fix it if it's not broken. I would like to cash this again. The game will be dominated by Brazil. To win, take A Seleo to zero.
Through the first two games of the tournament, Brazil had allowed only 11 shots and only one expected goal. Given Brazil's depth, I have lineup concerns here as well. The win to nil bet is a favorite of mine. I want to know who is the first one to start.
Brazil have been the best team thus far. They are overwhelmed with quality even if they rest some players. I would travel to Brazil to win.
Serbia and Switzerland drew Group G.
The Swiss will probably need a draw to advance. One of the best goalies in the world is a part of the group. Serbia needs all three points to advance in the tournament. The Swiss managed the game well and got the draw they needed.
Switzerland only needs a draw to advance and they are a veteran team that simply do what is necessary. They were perfect in the qualification, out scoring opponents 15-2 and drawing with Italy and France. Serbia's attack isn't clicking and Switzerland will keep that trend going in a low- scoring game. I need to get under 2.5 goals.
You should take the under in goals. This is going to be boring.
In Group H, the draw was +300 and the game was +490.
Their penchant to be scored upon and their ability to put the ball in the net have made their matches entertaining. If South Korea doesn't beat Portugal, the Black Stars can advance with just a draw. The country has hit the bar in two games. They will take advantage of opportunities from the beginning. There is a chance that the Black Stars will get on the board. Over 2.5 goals is why I like them.
I'm on the same page as Carr, and I'm pretty sure that they will have a goal or two already. Each team has gotten at least 1.0 expected goals in both of the games. Both teams will score at-110.
Thomas likes the place. The value is +390. It has not impressed at all.
South Korea drew with Portugal.
South Korea needs to win and get a lot of chances againstGhana. It will be interesting to see the lineup for Portugal. I don't know if I'm going to play this game, and I'll be waiting to see the starting 11. The group that has led Portugal to wins in this group is what I like the most.
I'm not interested in this game until I see Portugal's starting lineup.
I like the idea of both teams scoring, and I think this will be a great game.
The United States will face the Netherlands in the World Cup round of 16. A spokesman for the U.S. Soccer Federation said that Pulisic's status is still day-to-day.
According to sources, the legend was diagnosed with bronchopneumonia after new tests. Kely Nascimento said that her father was hospitalized on Tuesday to regulate the medication in his fight against a colon tumors. There was no emergency regarding her father's health, she said.
The director of Mexico's national teams said he was embarrassed by the national team's early exit from the group stage of the World Cup. It was Mexico's worst World Cup showing in 40 years, and they had advanced past the first round in the previous seven World Cup.
Paul Riley was fired as Portland Thorns manager in 2015 after allegations of sexual harassment and coercion were made against him. The Yates Report detailed systemic sexual and emotional abuse throughout the league. The MLS club is not for sale.
After finishing perfect in Group F, fans in Morocco are happy and ready to face off against Spain.
Morocco fans celebrate their country's victory over Canada at the World Cup in a street party.
The Atlas Lions and La Roja played to a 2-2 draw in the World Cup group stage last year. Who will win this time around?
Spain will face Morocco in the round of 16 after they finished second in their group and lost to Algeria.
South Korea could use a spark from Son Heung-Min in order to have a chance of going through if Portugal stays healthy and avoids humiliation. Will we get to see him or will he be resting?
There is a lot on the line in this match, as both could advance, and it has a lot on the line as well. If South Korea lose they will be eliminated, and if they win they will be in the next round. If you want to watch, skip some meetings.
At the World Cup, there was a lot of animosity between the two teams, but a victory for either side will get them into the next round.
Considering the chaos in both Groups C and E this week, anything is possible. If Serbia/Switzerland aided them in a win, they would move on to the next round.