Germany knocked out of World Cup at group stage

Four-time winners Germany have been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup at the group stages for a second consecutive tournament.

Hansi Flick’s men were expected to put in a much improved performance four years on from their disastrous campaign as champions in 2018, but things got off to a disastrous start with a shock loss to Japan. Germany had led the game, but were pegged back through two late goals thanks to some great substitutions and rather terrible defending from Niklas Sule.

They would put in a much-improved performance in their second game against Spain, drawing 1-1 thanks to a goal from Bundesliga journeyman Niclas Fullkrug.

In the final game of the group stages Germany needed to win and rely on Spain to beat Japan in the other game.

That didn’t happen, however, as Spain threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to the Samurai Blue, who jumped to top spot of Group E and confirmed Germany’s elimination.