2022 world cup group e - Historical Football Kits

FIFA World Cup 2022 Group E

fifa world cup 2022 poster Spain were the top seed in group E (ranked 7th) ahead of Germany who, when the draw was made, were ranked 12th. Japan followed Saudi Arabia by tearing up the form book and beating Germany, a repeat of their defeat in the opening match of the last World Cup. Shortly before the tournament started it was announced that Spain would play in all-red rather than their traditional red and navy blue combination. This was the initiative of their Head Coach, Luis Enrique, who pointed out that the team are known as La Roja and not, as was reported at the time, due to a FIFA fiat.

In a World Cup full of surprises this group produced some extraordinary and unpredictable results.

2022 Index

2018 Tournament | World Cup Index

Germany

Japan

Germany 1 Japan 2

Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
23 November

Germany took the lead from the penalty spot in the 31st minute but they failed to extend their lead in a nondescript first half. The second half was better with chances at both ends. In the 74th minute Minamino came off the bench and immediately sent in a fast cross-cum-shot that Neuer parried but only to the feet of Doan who fired home from close range. Minutes later Japan launched a long free kick down the right which Asano allowed to drop over his shoulder before controlling the ball on his thigh: one more touch and he raced into the six yard box where he held off a defender and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Spain

Costa Rica

Spain 7 Costa Rica 0

Al Thumama Stadium, Doha
23 November

Spain put the unfortunate Central American side to sword, scoring seven from 16 shots at goal while Costa Rica were unable to muster a single attempt. Pablo Martin Gavi at 18 became Spain's youngest ever goalscorer when he smashed home a volley off the outside of his right foot in the 74th minute.

Japan

Costa Rica

Japan 0 Costa Rica 1

Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
27 November

Japan adopted the same tactical approach as they did against Germany, to sit back and wait to hit their opponent with quick breaks. As Costa Rica used the same tactics the game deteriorated into a stodgy midfield slog. With nine minutes of normal time left, Japan made a mess of playing out of defence and gifted the ball to Tejeda, who found Fuller whose lobbed shot was too high for the Japanese 'keeper.

Spain

Germany

Spain 1 Germany 1

Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
27 November

With an hour played Morata came off the bench to score for the second time in a row. In the 83rd minute German sub Fullkrug smashed the ball into the roof of the net to level the scores. The result meant that going into the final games, any two of the four teams in the group could qualify for the next round.

Japan

Spain

Japan 2 Spain 1

Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
1 December

Japan pulled off their second surprise result of the group stage, coming back from being a goal down at half-time to beat much-fancied Spain. In the second half the Samurai Blue turned the game on its head within minutes of the restart. Doan equalised in the 48th minute and three minutes later they went ahead. The ball looked to have run out of play before Nagotomo cut it back across the goal where Tanaka bundled it over the line but the score was allowed to stand by VAR. At the final whistle Japan topped the group and Spain finished second by virtue of their unassailable goal difference.

Costa Rica

Germany

Costa Rica 2 Germany 4

Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
1 December

The game started well enough for Germany who dominated the first half and were 1-0 up at the interval. Things span out of control in the second half when Teleda equalised (58') and then Costa Rica took the lead after a scramble in front of goal 12 minutes later. With Japan winning in Al Rayyan it looked like both Spain and Germany could be eliminated. Germany cranked it up and scored three times and prayed for a Spanish equaliser. It didn't come and Germany were out.