World Cup Group of Death 2022: Latest Results, Standings and Predictions
Unlike previous years, the 2022 FIFA World Cup lacked an undeniable Group of Death after the draw was concluded.
Three candidates—Groups B, E and F—had a compelling case for the label, but the opening matches in Qatar have shaped the right answer.
Based on FIFA rankings, only Group B has a quartet of top-20 teams. Group E, however, boasts 2010 winner Spain, 2014 champion Germany and a formidable Japan side, as well as Costa Rica.
In Wednesday's upset of Germany, the Samurai Blue showed the challenge they present.
Ahead is a recap of Group E's early results, a look the current standings and a preview of the next two matchdays.
Japan 2, Germany 1
In a cruel twist of fate, Germany watched a long-held 1-0 lead evaporate in the closing minutes against Japan.
Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan's penalty put the four-time World Cup winners ahead in the 33rd minute.
However, a pair of substitutions propelled Japan to a tournament-shaking victory. Ritsu Doan equalized in the 75th minute, and Takuma Asano fired Japan to a 2-1 advantage eight minutes later.
Germany is now facing the threat of a second straight group-stage exit.
Spain 7, Costa Rica 0
Fueled by clinical ball movement, Spain ripped apart Costa Rica's midfield and five-man back line.
Dani Olmo scored a brilliant goal in the 11th minute to start a comprehensive rout in Spain's favor. Ferran Torres contributed two goals—including a well-taken penalty—and each of Marco Asensio, Gavi, Carlos Soler and Álvaro Morata added one goal.
Costa Rica attempted zero shots in the humiliating loss.
Group E Standings
Spain: 1-0-0 (+7 goal differential), 3 points
Japan: 1-0-0 (+1 GD), 3 points
Germany: 0-0-1 (-1 GD), 0 points
Costa Rica: 0-0-1 (-7 GD), 0 points
Remaining Matches
Japan vs. Costa Rica; Nov. 27 at 5 a.m. ET
Spain vs. Germany; Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. ET
Japan vs. Spain; Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. ET
Costa Rica vs. Germany; Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. ET
Given how Costa Rica performed in the opener, it's difficult to envision Los Ticos making a surge. While the CONCACAF side could be a spoiler to Japan's hopes, that's not going to happen.
At that point, Germany's hopes of advancing hinge on a single path: Defeat both Spain and Costa Rica.
Unfortunately for Die Mannschaft—and the rest of Group E, really—Spain announced itself as the clear favorite. La Roja scored in patient buildups, on counters, rebounds and more, and looked absolutely overwhelming.
Spain will finish atop the group, winning all three matches ahead of Japan's two victories. Germany will be heading home immediately, along with Costa Rica.
