Japan through to the Round of 16 while Germany bows out

Japan have qualified to play the Round of 16 knockout stages after stunning Spain 2-1, while Germany exited the FIFA World Cup despite a 4-2 win over Costa Rica.

In a tournament that has been full of shocks, today was perhaps the most dramatic morning so far, with Spain left relying on the result of Germany's game with Costa Rica for them to progress.

Japan scored a controversial winner as they staged another extraordinary World Cup comeback to top Group E ahead of Spain.

Ao Tanaka claimed Japan's second goal after the Video Assistant Referee ruled the ball had not gone out of play before substitute Kaoru Mitoma crossed from the byeline, even though on first viewing it appeared to have done so.

It proved the decisive moment in a stunning performance against a Spain side who were fortunate to join Japan in the knockout stage.

Germany despite beating Costa Rica, did not qualify as they were hoping for a Spain win.

Germany earlier lost to Japan 2-1 and drew with Spain 1-all.

Meanwhile, the Round of 16 starts on Sunday, where the Netherlands will meet the USA at 3am while Australia will face Argentina at 7am, on Monday France will take on Poland at 3am while England will face Senegal at 7am, on Tuesday Japan will face Croatia at 3am, on Wednesday Morocco will face Spain at 3am.

Brazil and Portugal have also qualified for the next round, however, their games will be finalised tomorrow morning.

[Source: BBC]