For Germany, the last group match of the World Cup will be a test. After the defeat against Japan and the draw in the last match against Spain, only a win against Costa Rica will help – and even that does not necessarily guarantee a place in the last 16.
For Japan, a draw against Spain combined with a better goal difference is enough. In that case, the four-time world champions will have to score at least one more goal than Japan in their final Group E match.
So German fans will not only be rooting for their own team, but also for Spain.
Our correspondent Sam Ashoo, on the ground for Euronews in Doha, explains:
“It was billed as one of the most important matches of the group stage, but Croatia’s game against Belgium is perhaps even more important than first thought. Zlatko Dalic’s side need just one point to qualify, but Belgium must win if they are to secure a place in the last 16. The Croatian team currently training behind me is not getting any younger, but they look pretty confident ahead of this game, despite Belgium being 2nd in the world rankings. Morocco are playing a great tournament. After beating Belgium, they only need a point against Canada to progress when they play at Al Thumama Stadium later. So it’s all or nothing in Group F. “