GERMANY crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage AGAIN despite emerging victorious in a thriller with Costa Rica.
The four-time world champions are on the next flight home after Japan, who shocked them in their opening game, proved to be their scourge again.
Japan came from behind to beat Spain – which ensured that Hansi Flick’s side were powerless to stop their exit.
Germany knew nothing but a win would do, and they got off to a fast-start as Serge Gnabry broke the deadlock on ten minutes.
They continued to dominate but were left stunned by a dramatic second half turnaround.
Yeltsin Tejeda got Costa Rica level before Juan Pablo Vargas bundled home to turn the scoreline on its head.
Their lead did not last long as Kai Havertz set-up a thrilling finish by equalising.
With the news that Japan were leading Spain, both teams knew that nothing but a victory would do.
Havertz pounced again with his second with only five minutes remaining – but Germany were still left waiting for Spain to do them a favour and equalise.
Niclas Fullkrug added another for Germany – but it was not enough to save them as news filtered through that Japan had held on, sending Hansi Flick’s side crashing out.
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