Germany will battle to keep away from the humiliation of one other first-round exit on the World Cup on Thursday whereas Belgium’s “golden generation” will probably be combating for his or her lives after they face Croatia. Despite being holders, Germany had been eradicated on the group stage 4 years in the past in Russia, and they’re determined to keep away from a repeat after they play Costa Rica in Group E. The Germans suffered a shocking opening defeat to Japan however salvaged a draw with Spain of their subsequent sport.

Germany should beat Costa Rica to face an opportunity of progressing, and even then aim distinction may nonetheless be an element.

Costa Rica started their marketing campaign on the improper finish of a 7-0 defeat to Spain however they proved their mettle with a subsequent 1-0 win over Japan and are nonetheless in rivalry to qualify.

Germany coach Hansi Flick laughed off recommendations he would lose his job if his aspect crashed out.

“You never know what’s around the corner but I am looking forward to Germany’s home European Championship (in 2024),” he mentioned.

“I have a contract until 2024. But that’s still a long way away.”

Spain are usually not but assured of their place within the final 16 — a loss to Japan would put the Japanese by way of and will enable Germany or Costa Rica to overhaul them.

Belgium would crash out of the match in the event that they lose to Croatia, snuffing out the hopes of ageing gamers together with Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois in what is unquestionably their final World Cup.

Roberto Martinez’s staff have didn’t persuade thus far in Qatar, narrowly beating Canada of their opener earlier than shedding to Morocco of their second match and there have been studies of rows within the camp.

Argentina, Australia advance

A win over Croatia would give Belgium a spot within the final 16 however a draw would depart them needing pointless Canada to beat Morocco elsewhere in Group F, with aim distinction deciding who progresses.

Playmaker De Bruyne has seemed off-colour thus far, whereas damage has restricted striker Romelu Lukaku to a single substitute look.

Michy Batshuayi has scored Belgium’s solely aim they usually might want to discover a new gear towards Croatia, who recovered from conceding an early aim to thrash Canada 4-1 of their final sport.

Belgium full-back Timothy Castagne mentioned on Wednesday: “Our confidence isn’t as low as people think.

“It’s true we did not play so effectively within the first two matches however we’re not in disaster mode like some persons are saying within the press.”

Croatia will look to take another step towards a potential second straight final appearance, while Morocco will be aiming to qualify for the last 16 for the first time since 1986.

If Wednesday’s action is any guide, Thursday’s group finales could provide more nerve-shredding drama.

A four-way battle for last-16 places in Group C between Argentina, Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia went down to the wire.

While Argentina moved into first place in the standings after taking a 2-0 lead against Poland, the identity of the team joining them in the knockout rounds was in the balance until deep into injury time in Mexico’s 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia.

A third Mexico goal would have been enough to take them into the last 16; instead it was Poland who squeezed through by dint of a marginally superior goal difference.

Argentina will now face Australia in the last 16 after the Socceroos confounded pre-tournament odds to defeat Denmark 1-0 and claim the runners-up spot in Group D.

France, who were already virtually assured of first place in the standings, were beaten 1-0 by Tunisia after coach Didier Deschamps opted to rest most of his first-choice line-up.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Featured Video Of The Day

FIFA WC 2022: Tourists Enjoy Camel Ride After Match In Qatar