World Football

Germany didn't control its own destiny heading into the final round of games in Group E play at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, and it cost the four-time champions.

While the Germans upheld their end of the bargain, beating Costa Rica 4-2, Japan's stunning 2-1 victory over Spain in the group's other game meant the Samurai Blue clinched the top spot in the group with six points and the Spaniards moved on because of superior goal differential over Germany.

Coming to Qatar, nobody would have predicted Germany failing to make the group stage for a second straight tournament, let alone Japan beating both them and Spain, another perennial power, to top the group.

That unpredictability is what makes the World Cup so special. The polarity between the elation and agony is what makes it such a compelling watch, and football Twitter was stunned that the Germans once again found themselves on the anguish end of the spectrum:

Germany will need to take a long, hard look in the proverbial mirror after going from a 2014 World Cup title to consecutive group-stage failures. This wasn't any easy group, but it's still one a traditional powerhouse like the Germans would be expected to navigate.

Granted, they aren't alone in their failure to advance. Earlier Thursday, it was Belgium that didn't escape Group F, a huge surprise given the talent on that roster. And it was a surprise group winner, Morocco, that earned the hearts of neutral observers around the world, at least until Japan shook things up later in the day.

Nothing is guaranteed at the World Cup. For the second straight tournament, Germany learned that lesson the hard way.

Another day of chaotic finishes captured our attention at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Thursday.

Germany was eliminated at the group stage for the second straight tournament despite beating Costa Rica 4-2.

Germany needed a victory and for Spain to defeat Japan in the other game in Group E in order to qualify, but the Samurai Blue won 2-1 over La Roja.

Japan used a second-half comeback against a European giant for the second time this tournament to help earn its place atop Group E. Spain went through as the second-place team.

Japan was the second team to confirm a surprising group victory on the day. In Group F, Morocco's 2-1 win over Canada saw it finish in first place.

A goalless draw between Croatia and Belgium allowed the former to move on in second place. That set up a round-of-16 showdown with Japan.

Morocco thought it would have an easier opponent in the round of 16 as the group winner, but instead, it will face Spain in the next round.

Group E

1. Japan - 6 points

2. Spain - 4 (advanced on goal differential)

3. Germany - 4

4. Costa Rica - 3

Thursday's Scores

Japan 2, Spain 1

Germany 4, Costa Rica 2

Japan followed the same script to beat Spain as it did to defeat Germany in Group E.

The Samurai Blue went 1-0 down in the first half after an Álvaro Morata goal. The 30-year-old scored in every group game for Spain.

As in the win over Germany, Japan used some half-time adjustments to score two goals in quick succession. Ritsu Doan scored the equalizer in the 48th minute versus Spain, just like he did in the 75th minute against Germany.

Japan went ahead in the match three minutes later, when Ao Tanaka finished from close range. The goal had some controversy with it, as the ball appeared to go over the end line before a cross was played into Tanaka.

Spain was unable to pull back an equalizer in the second half, but it still went through on goal differential thanks to its seven-goal outburst in the opener against Costa Rica.

Germany had a gargantuan task on its hands in the second half vs. Costa Rica once Japan went ahead, as it had to make up an eight-goal gap on goal difference to have any hope of progressing.

Germany scored early through Serge Gnabry, but that was the only goal it managed in the opening half.

Costa Rica went ahead through two goals in the 58th and 70th minutes, and for a few minutes, the Ticos were on their way to the round of 16.

Germany answered with three straight goals, two of which came from Kai Havertz.

The three-goal flurry in the second half did not mean anything to Germany because it was still so far behind on goal differential compared to Spain, who went through with a five-goal edge. La Roja will play Morocco, while Japan gets Croatia in the round of 16.

Group F

1. Morocco - 7

2. Croatia - 5

3. Belgium - 4

4. Canada - 0

Thursday's Scores

Morocco 2, Canada 1

Croatia 0, Belgium 0

Group F produced the most stunning table order of any of the six completed four-team pods.

Morocco became the first team this century from Africa to finish in first place in a World Cup group.

The Atlas Lions surged in front of Canada thanks to a goal each from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Ziyech took advantage of a poor passing sequence from the Canadian defense to open the scoring in the fourth minute. En-Nesyri flew down the right side of the box to coolly finish past Milan Borjan in the 23rd minute.

Canada pulled a goal back in the 40th minute, as Sam Adekugbe's cross took a deflection and rolled in for an own goal.

Canada pushed for an equalizer throughout the second half, but it was unable to earn its first point in Qatar. Canada and the host nation are the only two teams not to earn a point in the group stage.

While Morocco was busy wrapping up first place in Group F, Croatia and Belgium were fighting for the second advancement spot.

Croatia had a goal disallowed because of offside and a penalty-kick decision reversed by the video review system in the first half.

Belgium took control of the match in the second half once Romelu Lukaku stepped on the field. Lukaku had countless opportunities to find the back of the net, but he was unable to convert on any chance, and that led to Belgium being knocked out with a third-place finish.

Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runner-up, advanced with a second-place finish and only conceded one goal in the process. Croatia will be tough for Japan to break down in the round of 16 in what should be a close match.

Round of 16 Schedule

Saturday

Netherlands vs. United States (10 a.m. ET, Fox)

Argentina vs. Australia (2 p.m. ET, Fox)

Sunday

France vs. Poland (10 a.m. ET, FS1)

England vs. Senegal (2 p.m. ET, FS1)

Monday

Japan vs. Croatia (10 a.m. ET, Fox)

Group G winner vs. Group H second place (2 p.m. ET, Fox)

Tuesday

Morocco vs. Spain (10 a.m. ET, Fox)

Group H winner vs. Group G second place (2 p.m. ET, Fox)

United States men's national team star Christian Pulisic wanted to issue a clarification regarding the injury he suffered in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Iran in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

He told reporters Thursday he "didn’t get hit in the balls" in the process of scoring the winning goal.

Almost simultaneously as they celebrated the goal, fans applauded Pulisic for being willing to pay the physical cost of scoring.

The 24-year-old was subbed off before the second half with what U.S. Soccer originally called an abdominal injury. The federation confirmed later he suffered a pelvic contusion that left him day-to-day.

Pulisic's availability for Saturday's round-of-16 match against the Netherlands remains unclear.

"Just kind of seeing how I’m feeling, taking it day by day right now, but doing everything in my power to be able to be out there on the field on Saturday," he said during Wednesday's press conference.

Gerardo "Tata" Martino announced his resignation as manager of the Mexico men's national team shortly after his team was eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.

"I am the first responsible for this terrible disappointment and frustration that we have," Martino told reporters. "As the person in charge, it causes a lot of sadness. I fully assume responsibility for this great failure.

"My contract ended as soon as the referee blew the final whistle and there is nothing more to be done."

Mexico earned a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, but the squad finished behind Argentina and Poland in Group C. Both Mexico and Poland had four points in three matches, but Poland advanced based on goal differential.

It's the first time Mexico has been eliminated in the group stage of a World Cup since 1978.

Mexico had reached the round of 16 in each of the last seven World Cups, although the squad has failed to advance to the quarterfinal during this stretch.

There were higher expectations on Martino when he joined Mexico in 2019. The 60-year-old had previous international experience with Argentina.

Martino also managed top players at Barcelona and found success in MLS with Atlanta United.

The manager didn't reach his goals with Mexico, however, losing to the United States at both the Gold Cup and Nations League final. The team also had a difficult time during World Cup qualifying, finishing behind Canada in the CONCACAF table.

Mexico didn't fare much better at the World Cup, failing to score in its first two matches while earning just one point against Poland and Argentina. El Tri finally found their form against Saudi Arabia, but they needed one more goal to pass Poland in the standings.

Martino faced significant criticism throughout his tenure with Mexico, including when he left Javier "Chicharito" Hernández off the World Cup roster, but now the team must look elsewhere as it tries to rebuild.

Mexico has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup as a co-host alongside the United States and Canada.

The United States men's national team is in the knockout stage of the World Cup for the fifth time since it returned to the global stage in 1990.

Fielding the second-youngest squad at the World Cup, the U.S. went undefeated in group play and sealed a place in the round of 16 with a gritty 1-0 win over Iran on Tuesday.

The Netherlands wait around the corner: a formidable challenge for an ambitious young squad. But before the page turns toward the Dutch—and how the U.S. might beat them—it's worth reflecting on what the USMNT has done.

A new generation

Gregg Berhalter tweaked his lineup to face Iran in the most important match the U.S. has played in eight years, and the 49-year-old's bold selections paid off. Josh Sargent returned as the No. 9 after being benched against England. Cameron Carter-Vickers made his debut, replacing Walker Zimmerman at the back beside Tim Ream. Carter-Vickers was the 18th U.S. player to make a World Cup debut in this tournament, a USMNT record.

Let that sink in.

In a sea of individual debuts, this tournament is a collective debut. The new generation of USMNT is officially here.

The youth and World Cup inexperience of this squad are notable for this reason: They did the job playing some of the most compelling football to ever come out of the USA, and their careers have only just begun.

With a recipe that combines mentality, belief, tenacity and spirit with talent, tactics and growing experience in top global leagues, this team is ready to ditch the cliches and change a few minds.

A well-organized team

What this team lacks in age or experience, it makes up for in cohesion and talent. From game to game, they've adjusted to the matchup against the opposing squad, attacking the match with astute preparation. Give credit where it's due—Berhalter has gotten the results when they have counted the most.

The team has been defensively sound. Against Iran, the U.S. collected its second straight clean sheet. That's the first time the U.S. has kept multiple clean sheets in a World Cup since 1930. It's yet to concede anything from open run of play.

Matt Turner's time at Arsenal is apparent in his confident, progressive game. His shot-stopping is sharp as ever. Ream's reemergence is perfectly timed. His composure, game smarts and skill are vital pieces to the center-back pair. Zimmerman and Carter-Vickers have taken turns making gargantuan defensive stops, plugging holes, stopping plays.

Good luck to any team trying to get a ball through the midfield. Weston McKennie is churning out top performances as a two-way midfielder. At just 20, Yunus Musah is covering every blade of grass alongside the team captain, Tyler Adams. And what more can be said about Adams, who is blossoming as an American World Cup star?

At fullback, Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson are dynamic getting forward, key elements of the attack. Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah test teams from the wing, game-changers on either side. It's no shock the pair are responsible for both of the team's goals.

The striker position remains tepid, but Sargent's second start was the best we've seen. Should he recover in time from an ankle injury for Saturday's match against the Netherlands, he'll be in line for another start.

Hearts and minds

The quest to turn heads and leave a mark remains central to this team.

They've played phenomenally—if imperfectly—and have a lot left to prove. Defeating the Netherlands and making a deeper run would not simply set or tie a record. It would chip away toward their ultimate goal: Make America fall in love, and make the world take note.

The world has started to. While Pulisic is well known to soccer fans, his display of dynamism has keen observers wondering what his next move might be after Chelsea. Fans watch in awe of Adams along with Champions League clubs that could look to spend big cash on the young captain. Attendees at the World Cup have commented on how surprising this U.S. team has been. Iran coach Carlos Queiroz lauded the Americans, who he says have graduated to "football" instead of "soccer" and are playing the modern game.

It's an achievement already. But the team remains focused. The Netherlands this Saturday in Doha presents an opportunity entirely new.

Brazilian football legend Pelé was reportedly hospitalized Tuesday in Brazil with heart problems, swelling throughout his body and other health issues.

ESPN's Pedro Ivo Almeida reported Wednesday (via Rich Jones of the Daily Mirror) that Pelé has been undergoing chemotherapy since last September and regularly visits the hospital for medical checkups, but Tuesday's admittance was unscheduled.

His daughter, Kely Nascimento, posted a statement on Instagram (h/t Reuters' Gabriel Araujo and Eduardo Simões) in the wake of the news reports.

"Lots of alarm in the media today concerning my dad's health," she wrote. "He is in the hospital regulating medication. Some of my siblings are visiting Brazil. There is [no] emergency or new dire prediction. I will be there for New Years and promise to post some pictures."

Pelé has been hospitalized multiple times in recent years because of medical problems, including the cancer treatment and a 2019 procedure to remove kidney stones after a urinary tract infection.

His son, Edinho, told Brazilian outlet TV Globo in 2020 (via Sky Sports) his father was struggling with mobility because of lingering problems related to a 2012 hip operation.

"He's embarrassed, he doesn't want to go out, be seen, or do practically anything that involves leaving the house," Edinho said. "He is very sheepish, reclusive."

Pelé is one of the greatest footballers in history after a decorated career both with Brazil's national team and at the club level with Santos and the New York Cosmos before his 1977 retirement.

The 82-year-old icon still holds the all-time record for most goals scored for Brazil's men's team with 77, two ahead of current-day superstar Neymar, who's currently competing for the Canarinho in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Pelé led the Brazilians to World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

His post-playing career included a stint as his home country's Minister of Sports from 1995 through 1998.

Thursday's FIFA World Cup match between Costa Rica and Germany will feature the first all-female refereeing team in the history of the men's World Cup.

FIFA announced in May this would be the first men's World Cup to include female referees. Stéphanie Frappart, Salima Mukansanga and Yoshimi Yamashita were included in the pool of 36 referees, along with Neuza Back, Karen Díaz Medina and Kathryn Nesbitt in the assistant referee pool.

"As always, the criteria we have used is 'quality first' and the selected match officials represent the highest level of refereeing worldwide," Pierluigi Collina, the FIFA Referees Committee chairman, said in May. "The 2018 World Cup was very successful, partly because of the high standard of refereeing, and we will do our best to be even better in a few months in Qatar."

Frappart will make her men's World Cup debut. She became the first woman to referee a men's Champions League match in 2020, having worked the 2019 UEFA Super Cup. In May, she was also the first woman to referee the French Cup final.

Plenty of fans will closely follow Thursday's match.

Germany, four-time World Cup winners, is bottom of Group E and needs to beat Costa Rica to have any hope of advancing to the round of 16. A second successive exit in the group stage would be a stunning result.