A defeat against Spain after Germany's shock 2-1 opening loss to Japan would have left Hansi Flick's men facing a huge challenge to get into the knockout phase. Spain coach Luis Enrique said he was left ruing his side's failure to hold on to their lead. Spain top the standings with four points and now need only a draw in their final Group E game against Japan to progress. They need to win against Costa Rica on Thursday and their hopes then depend on Japan losing. If Japan draw it would come down to goal difference or goals scored by Germany and Japan.

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