"We need to perform and deliver," Flick on Costa Rica game
Germany meet Costa Rica in a must-win Group E match at the 2022 World Cup this evening as they look to secure a place in the last-16.
The five-time world champions are on the brink since a shock defeat to Japan in their opening game but were rescued by a late goal against Spain to keep them in the tournament.
To qualify they need to defeat Costa Rica and hope that Spain avoid losing to Japan in the other fixture.
Costa Rica could also qualify after a win against Japan last time out. Their goal difference is terrible following a 7-0 thrashing to Spain meaning they must better Japan’s result tonight to qualify ahead of Germany.
Follow the action with or live blog below:
Costa Rica 0-1 Germany
13 mins: In the other fixture of the night in Group E, Alvaro Morata has sent Spain in front against Japan. That means both European side will be heading into the knockout rounds.
GOAL! Costa Rica 0-1 Germany (Gnabry, 10’)⚽️
10 mins: Just what Hansi Flick ordered!
This time Germany sweep down the left wing with David Raum getting forward from his position at left-back. He hangs a perfect cross into the box where Serge Gnabry has positioned himself in space.
There’s work still to do for the forward but he works his header over to the far side of the goal leaving the goalkeeper no chance to reach it.
Germany take the lead.
Costa Rica 0-0 Germany
9 mins: Chance! Joshua Kimmich swings a cross into the box from the right wing and picks out Thomas Muller. He throws himself at the ball and heads his effort wide of the near post!
Costa Rica 0-0 Germany
8 mins: Jamal Musiala gives Costa Rica a look at why he’s so dangerous by going on a twisting run into the box and dancing past three of four defenders.
He tries to lay the ball off instead of shooting though and gifts the Costa Ricans the chance to boot the ball clear.
Costa Rica 0-0 Germany
5 mins: Serge Gnabry makes a nice run into the left side of the box and has a prodded effort stopped at the near post by the goalkeeper but the flag goes up for offside anyway.
It’s hard to see anything other than a Germany win with the way they’ve started this game.
Costa Rica 0-0 Germany
2 mins: Save! Germany are on top immediately. They work the ball down the left wing before sending it inside to Jamal Musiala. He cuts onto his right foot and runs into the space on the edge of the box before smoking a shot towards goal.
Keylor Navas sees it early and drops to his left before punching it behind for a corner.
Kick off: Costa Rica 0-0 Germany
Germany kick off the match and work the ball over to Joshua Kimmich on the right side of the defence. He sends the ball into midfield where Ilkay Gundogan tries and fails to properly bring it under control.
Costa Rica vs Germany
The players make their way out onto the pitch.
Tonight’s match breaks new ground in that it is the first World Cup game in men’s professional football to be refereed by a team of women.
The national anthems are played. Costa Rica need a win, Germany need a win. Let’s see who comes out on top.
Flick on facing Costa Rica
“When you look at the table Costa Rica have a chance to reach the round of 16. A draw, and a win for Spain, is enough for them to advance,” said German boss Hansi Flick.
“I expect from Costa Rica a defensive performance as they did it against Japan. We have to find solutions against that. I think it would show a lack of respect to Costa Rica to talk about scoring eight goals. We will be happy if we win it and that is our aim.
“We want to try to decide it for us from the start. But to come back from that 7-0 and deliver such a defensive performance against Japan deserves respect.”
“We have the qualification not entirely in our own hands but what is pressure?... I feel no pressure. Not after the game against Japan either. I am convinced we are on a good path.”
Costa Rica vs Germany
The warm-ups are done and dusted and kick off is 15 minutes away.
This is another pressure filled game for Germany who are on the brink of being knocked out of the World Cup. Can they step up once again and defeat Costa Rica tonight?
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)