Germany and Belgium were eliminated following a tumultuous matchday

FIFA World Cup 2022: Germany has tumbled out despite their 4-2 win against Costa Rica, while Belgium's stalemate with Croatia has seen the Red Devils pack their bags early.

Despite a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica, four-time World Cup champion Germany was knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on a day of major upsets. In the end, Germany's disappointing start to the campaign did them in, as Japan's 2-1 triumph against Spain in the other group encounter sent them packing. In another major upset of the day, Belgium's draw against Croatia saw them eliminated as well, despite finishing third in their group.

It was a day when football's titans collapsed. Belgium was eliminated first following a 0-0 tie with Croatia. Morocco topped Group F in spectacular fashion after defeating Canada 2-1. The Atlas Lions will face Spain in the next round as La Roja fell to Japan 1-2, giving the Samurais the group lead. All of this implies that Germany, although defeating Costa Rica 4-2, is eliminated on goal difference.

Germany will be eliminated from the World Cup Group stage for the second time in a row.

Despite a stunning 4-2 triumph over Costa Rica on a night of fantastic Group E drama in Qatar, Germany was eliminated from the World Cup group stage for the second time in a row. After picking up just one point in their first two games, four-time world champions Germany - who also departed at the group stage in 2018 - understood that only a win at Al Bayt Stadium on Thursday night would give them a chance to advance to the last 16.

Despite earning the necessary result, Japan scored a contentious winner to defeat Spain and knock Hansi Flick's team out of the tournament due to the Spaniards' better goal difference.

Germany will try to escape another World Cup first-round exit on Thursday, while Belgium's "golden generation" will be battling for their lives against Croatia. Despite being the defending champions, Germany was ousted in the group stage in Russia four years ago, and they are anxious to prevent a recurrence when they face Costa Rica in Group E. The Germans were stunned by Japan in their first game but recovered with a draw against Spain in their second.

Germany must overcome Costa Rica to progress, and goal differential may still be a factor. Costa Rica started their campaign with a 7-0 loss to Spain, but they demonstrated their mettle with a 1-0 win over Japan and are still in contention to qualify.

Costa Rica 2-4 Germany in Group E

• Germany, despite defeating Costa Rica 4-2 at the World Cup, has been eliminated from the tournament.
• The Germans won the match with two goals from Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry, Werder Bremen striker Niclas Füllkrug, and Chelsea player Kai Havertz.
• Costa Rica scored two goals, one of which was scored by Herediano midfielder Yeltsin Tejeda and the other by Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (initially attributed to Millonarios defender Juan Pablo Vargas).

Japan wins thanks to a contentious goal.

Japan pulled off another historic World Cup surprise, coming from behind to stun Spain 2-1 and take first place in Group E, with Luis Enrique's team requiring a goal difference to advance as runners-up ahead of Germany. Spain dominated the first half at the Khalifa International Stadium, and Alvaro Morata headed in his third goal of the tournament to put Spain in the first place.

The final act of Belgium's golden era?

Belgium's 'golden generation' were eliminated from the World Cup after a 0-0 draw with Croatia advanced the 2018 runners-up to the round of 16 with Group F winners Morocco. Romelu Lukaku hit a post and missed many chances.

Roberto Martinez's side finished third four years ago and led the world rankings until recently, but his aging squad was well off the pace in Qatar, and despite an improvement in the second half that led to a series of chances for Lukaku, they couldn't get the win they needed due to Morocco's victory over Canada.

Croatia 0-0 Belgium in Group F

• Belgium, one of the tournament favorites, is eliminated from the World Cup.
• Roberto Martnez's squad is out after a tie with Croatia and a win against Canada.
• Croatia, a semi-finalist in 2018, will face Japan in the round of 16.

Spain's spot in the last 16 is not yet guaranteed; a loss to Japan would send the Japanese through and allow Germany or Costa Rica to surpass them.

If Belgium loses against Croatia, it will be the end of the road for elderly stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Thibaut Courtois in what would almost certainly be their final World Cup.

So far in Qatar, Roberto Martinez's squad has failed to impress, narrowly defeating Canada in their opener before falling to Morocco in their second encounter, and there have been allegations of squabbles in the camp.

Morocco has won Group F.

First-half goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri propelled Morocco to a 2-1 victory against Canada, securing the top spot in Group F and a place in the World Cup For the first time in 36 years, the team finished in the top 16.

Morocco was placed in a difficult group with Croatia and Belgium, who finished second and third in 2018 respectively, but snatched four points off the European teams before edging out Canada in their final group game.