Groups E and F were in the spotlight today, as the field was whittled further towards the last 16 names at Qatar 2022.
Yesterday, we saw the big guns fire, as Argentina made it through courtesy of their win over Poland and France marched on even in defeat to Tunisia. Today, one of the most famous names in international football was not so lucky.
Germany were teetering on the brink of back-to-back group-stage exits for the first time ever at the World Cup.
Their opening 2-1 defeat to Japan saw them on the back foot ever since the first game, and although a late leveller against Spain put a point on the board, they went into the final fixtures still bottom of Group E.
They faced Costa Rica knowing only a win would be enough to give them any chance, and even then they had one eye on events when the Samurai Blue took on La Roja — both of whom also had everything still to play for.
And in one of the most dramatic days at the World Cup so far, it was the latter two who made it through, as Ao Tanaka’s controversial goal — which looked as though the ball had already gone out of play — gave Japan another famous 2-1 triumph.
Germany’s 4-2 win over Costa Rica, was irrelevant.
Group F was not quite as wide open, after Canada’s early elimination, but it was still a case of any three from four.
Belgium and Croatia met in a game that appeared to mark a changing of the guard for the Belgians. Their ageing squad failed to find the breakthrough they needed in a 0-0 draw, with Croatia going through as group runners-up as a result.
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez resigned shortly after the final whistle.
Morocco, meanwhile, could be surprise package of the knockout rounds, after sealing a 2-1 victory over Canada to top the group.
They will next face Spain in the Round of 16.
The Sporting News has you covered here with all the latest World Cup score updates.
MORE: Updated standings and schedule for every group
World Cup matches today
The final round of group games continued on Dec 1, with matches being played simultaneously to add to the thrilling drama. Here’s how the day shaped up.
Latest World Cup scores today
| Time (ET) | Match | Group | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 a.m. | Croatia 0 Belgium 0 | F | Al Bayt |
| 10 a.m. | Canada 1 Morocco 2 | F | Khalifa International |
| 2 p.m. | Japan 2 Spain 1 | E | Al Thumama |
| 2 p.m. | Costa Rica 2 Germany 4 | E | Stadium 974 |
2022 World Cup matches tomorrow
Here’s how Friday looks, with Portugal and Brazil bringing the curtain down on the group stages.
| Time (ET) | Match | Group | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 a.m. | South Korea vs Portugal | H | Education City |
| 10 a.m. | Ghana vs Uruguay | H | Al Janoub |
| 2 p.m. | Cameroon vs Brazil | G | Lusail |
| 2 p.m. | Serbia vs Switzerland | G | Stadium 974 |
MORE: Watch every World Cup match live with fuboTV (U.S.-only free trial)
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