
<p>In a simply wild 45 minutes, Japan and Spain made their way into the World Cup knockout stage. Meanwhile, Germany won on the day, but failed to advance due to a poor goal differential.</p>



<p>At halftime of the games, both <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/germany-spain-the-best-game-of-the-world-cup-so-far-20221128-WST-410281.html">Germany and Spain</a> were in a position to advance. By the time each game reached 70th minute, Japan and Costa Rica would have advanced. Comebacks from both of those sides put them in winning positions. While Spain managed to hold on to its lead, Costa Rica capitulated. Germany put three past Keylor Navas in the final 17 minutes. Germany’s win was not enough for <em>Die Mannschaft</em>, even if it did get Spain over the line.</p>



<p>Remarkably, Japan finished top of the group. On six points, Japan’s only defeat was to Costa Rica. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/germany-world-cup-start-shattered-by-japan-20221123-WST-409612.html">Wins over Germany</a> then Spain put the Samurai Blue into a round of 16 tie with Croatia. Spain, which looked lackluster both against Germany and Japan after the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/spain-set-standard-with-win-over-costa-rica-20221124-WST-409806.html">7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica</a>, scraped by with second. Its reward is a date with Group F winners Morocco.</p>



<p>Germany, on the other hand, is out in the group stage for a second-straight World Cup after winning the tournament in 2014. Despite a string of heroic performances from Jamal Musiala and a <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1598430279047081985" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pair of goals from Kai Havertz</a> against Costa Rica, Germany is out. On top of that, Germany had an ‘early’ exit at Euro 2020, too. It lost to England in the round of 16, giving Germany just one knockout game at a tournament since reaching the semifinals at Euro 2016.</p>



<h2>Japan defeats Spain to finish top of wild World Cup group</h2>



<p>Yet, Germany could have a bone to pick in its lack of reaching the round of 16. If Spain drew with Japan, Germany and Spain would advance. Japan’s second goal came much to the ire of the Germans, particularly due to how marginal the call was. </p>



<p>Kauro Mitoma made a desperate attempt to keep the ball in play as it rolled past Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón. From the camera angles provided, the ball looked out of play. However, the camera angles did not tell the same story that the officials saw. Mitoma whipped the ball back in, and Ao Tanaka placed it into the net with his knee.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The goal that made the difference for Japan 🇯🇵<a href="https://t.co/WDmJ1QJAdc">pic.twitter.com/WDmJ1QJAdc</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1598421090828980224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The goal counted. As a result, Japan’s three points took it clear of Germany in the group table. </p>



<p>Spain, which advanced regardless so long as Costa Rica lost, did not have the impetus to score that Germany had late on.</p>



<p>Group winners Japan take on Croatia on Monday, Dec. 5. Spain battles Morocco a day later.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ANP</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Japan topped a World Cup group consisting of Germany and Spain. Not only that, the Samurai Blue defeated both those European nations.

Japan, Spain survive explosive World Cup group, Germany out

destacadas


<p>Spain head to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">2022 World Cup</a> in Qatar with a settled squad and coaching setup.</p>



<p>After the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-spain-luisenrique/former-spain-coach-luis-enriques-daughter-loses-cancer-battle-idUKKCN1VJ2PF" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catastrophic bereavement</a> process Luis Enrique had to go through in his personal life, the Spanish coach returned to lead La Roja into Euro 2020.</p>



<p>It was a tournament that didn’t start especially well. The former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> coach had been absent for much of the qualification process. Many were unhappy that he retook control from Robert Moreno.</p>



<p>Draws with Poland and Sweden left Spain needing to defeat Slovakia to make it into the knockout stage. Spain won 5-0. Then, it beat Croatia and Switzerland to reach the semifinal. and then beat Switzerland and Croatia to reach the semi-final.</p>



<p>Eventual winners <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/italy-national-team-tv-schedule/">Italy</a> eliminated Luis Enrique’s side at that point. But, Enrique reestablished his credibility.</p>



<p>Now, he is heading to Qatar with fans and players completely behind him. La Roja recognize their golden generation is gone. Nevertheless, hopes are still high for the World Cup.</p>



<p>Many want to know whether they can win the tournament. Perhaps that goal is too lofty for a young Spanish side.</p>



<h5>Tempering expectations</h5>



<p>Luis Enrique has made bold decisions with his squad selection for the World Cup. There isn’t a space for either David de Gea or Kepa Arrizabalaga.</p>



<p>Such a decision would have been unthinkable when he first took charge. Thiago Alcantara didn’t make the cut whilst Gavi and Pedri will lead the team in midfield.</p>



<p>When you look at the Spanish squad headed to Qatar you are immediately struck by something. There isn’t a world class player in it. Sergio Busquets would have been, once. Yet, he declined as he aged. There are some truly elite players on this squad. For example, Rodri, Aymeric Laporte and Pedri are world class. But, none are the best of the best.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Spain coach Luis Enrique has launched a Twitch channel for the World Cup 🎙🇪🇸<br><br>He hopes that by talking directly to fans he&apos;ll be able to provide them with insights previously only offered to media, along with behind the scenes updates about the team and unique analysis of games. <a href="https://t.co/ZVr9OzJfSA">pic.twitter.com/ZVr9OzJfSA</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1592472481259933697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Spanish fans were able to enjoy living through their glorious period which began in 2008. They had Iker Casillas, Gerard Pique, Xavi, Busquets and Andres Iniesta. At the same time, it would have been completely legitimate to claim Spain had the best goalkeeper, center-half and midfield trio in world soccer all in one single team.</p>



<p>That’s no longer there. It has been more of a return to problems the Spanish faced between 1980 and 2005. They have a lot of brilliant players, but no generationally talented ones.</p>



<p>This has potential to be an issue. However, Luis Enrique has a strong squad who are well drilled in playing together. Euro 2020 showed the work the coach has put in. The style of soccer from the Spanish team was attractive and they could have gone to the final.</p>



<p>Playing in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> is much harder. There is more pressure and a wider variety of teams who can challenge you. Spain need to avoid trying to run before they can walk. Aiming for the semi-final would be realistic and a fair target.</p>



<h2>Spain chances of winning World Cup 2022</h2>



<p>Having been drawn in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">Group E</a> alongside <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/costa-rica-national-team-tv-schedule/">Costa Rica</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/japan-national-team-tv-schedule/">Japan</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/germany-national-team-tv-schedule/">Germany</a>, La Roja are expected to reach the knockout phase. Playing Germany second is a blessing. It allows Luis Enrique’s side to avoid losing first and then having to play catchup for the remainder of the group. No matter where Spain finish in Group E, they will face a difficult match in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">round of 16</a>.</p>



<p>Both Croatia and Belgium expect to come through Group F, and will pose a challenge to Spain. Possible meetings with Brazil or Portugal could follow, both of which would be difficult. If you are to talk about individual talent, Spain don’t have enough to win the tournament. If they come up against Kylian Mbappe, Neymar or Lionel Messi their defense will struggle.</p>



<p>Picking a Spain win from matches against any of France, Argentina or Brazil isn’t easy. It’s difficult to see them beating any of those teams. That is, ultimately, where La Roja will fall short at the 2022 World Cup. Only a fortunate draw will allow them to win the World Cup.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>


Luis Enrique has an incredibly settled atmosphere within his squad, but are Spain talented enough to win the 2022 World Cup?

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