2022 FIFA World Cup: What Costa Rica, Spain, Germany, Japan need to do to qualify

Spain will play Japan while Costa Rica battle Germany at 1:00 pm.

Going by statistics alone, Spain, with four points, have a better probability that Japan (3 points),

Costa Rica (3 points) and Germany (1 point).

A win qualifies Spain, Japan, or Costa Rica, while for Germany they may depending on the score between Spain and Japan.

Spain qualify for the Round of 16 if they win or draw. Should they lose to Japan, their current superior goal difference (8-1), could be good enough to put them through in case Costa Rica or Germany finish with four points. However, if they lose and Costa Rica beat Germany, Spain would bow out.

Japan have a similar situation to Spain. They qualify if they beat Spain while a draw, coupled with Costa Rica-Germany tie, will give them their ticket. Japan will go home if they lose or draw and Costa Rica beats Germany. If they draw and Germany win, goal difference will decide if they or Germany go through.

Costa Rica qualify if they overcome Germany. A draw is not good for Costa Rica, who have a dismal -6 (1-7) goal difference, unless Japan lose. A loss puts the out.

To qualify, Germany must win and hope Spain beat Japan. If they win and Japan manages a draw or a win, goal difference will determine if they or Spain advance. Any other results will eliminate Germany.

Here’s the schedule:

Group E: Japan vs Spain @ 1:00 am at Khalifa International Stadium in Ar-Rayyan

Group E: Costa Rica vs Germany @ 1:00 pm Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor