Germany hanging by a thread in the World Cup

With two games played in Group E, Germany’s hopes of reaching the knock-out stages are hanging by a thread, as they sit bottom of the group with just one single point.

They have only themselves to blame for their predicament. In their opening game against Japan, they dominated the first half, and took the lead from the penalty spot, but could not add a second, despite having numerous charges.

And they were undone by two goals in eight minutes from Japanese substitutes, with poor defending at fault for both goals.

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With Spain having thrashed Costa Rica in the other match, the Germans knew that they were in deep trouble. The Japanese were expected to easily beat a desperately poor Costa Rican side, meaning that they would have had to beat Spain in their next game.

The Costa Ricans, though, had failed to read the script. Although Japan were on top for most of the match, especially during a frenetic second half, it was Costa Rica who scored with their only shot on target in the entire game.

That helped take the pressure off Germany slightly before their game with Spain, but they spent half of that match largely on the back foot, although they thought they had taken the lead just before half-time, when Antonio Rüdiger headed home a free-kick, only for it to be ruled out for offside,

It was two substitutes who broke the game open. Neither team had begun with a recognised centre-forward, but it was Alvaro Morata, introduced off the bench, who put the Spaniards ahead flicking in a cross from Jordi Alba at the near post.

Niclas Füllkrug became the unlikely German saviour. The Werder Bremen striker only made his international debut in a friendly against Oman on the eve of the tournament at the age of 29, the oldest outfield player to be given a debut by his country for more than 20 years.

But he took advantage of a moment of hesitation in the Spanish defence, wriggled free, and fired his shot into the top corner.

And, it was Germany who finished the stronger, even if that was the end of the scoring.

It means that still nothing is decided heading into the final round of games, even though Spain have the advantage of a vastly superior goal difference.

In the first place, Germany have to beat Costa Rica. If there is another outcome, they can pack their belongings.

But, if they can do that, and by a reasonable margin as well, then they still have a very good chance of progressing, unless Japan can pull off another surprise by beating Spain.

Even a draw may not be good enough for the Japanese if the Germans can put three or four past the Latin Americans.

That may not be the easy passage into the last 16 that Hansi Flick’s men would have planned or wanted, but at this stage, all that matters is reaching the knock-out stages. Their supporters might still be celebrating by the end of Thursday night.