The World Cup group stages are drawing to a close, with Groups E and F being decided today.
Argentina secured their place in the last 16 on Wednesday night by topping Group C with a 2-0 victory over Poland, while Australia beat Denmark 1-0 to escape Group D along with France.
Poland managed to scrape through despite their defeat. At one point, they were level with Mexico on points, goal difference and goals scored, and were heading into the next round based on having received fewer yellow cards. However, Saudi Arabia scored a consolation goal against the Mexicans deep into injury time that meant Poland could progress on goal difference.
Germany play Costa Rica today in their final fixture, and know they have to win to stand a chance of joining their neighbours in the knockouts. Here’s how to watch the game.
What time is Germany vs Costa Rica today?
Germany vs Costa Rica kicks off at 7pm from Al Bayt Stadium.
Coverage is on ITV4, starting at 6.15pm.
The entire 2022 World Cup is being broadcast on free-to-air television in the UK, with the BBC and ITV sharing the rights.
All matches are therefore also available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer or the new ITVX streaming platform.
What can we expect from Germany vs Costa Rica?
Germany coach, Hansi Flick, has no plans to step down if the four-time world champions crash out of the World Cup early for the second straight tournament, he said on Wednesday.
Flick, who took over last year after Joachim Loew’s 15 years at the helm, has seen his team lose their Group E opener to Japan before rescuing a 1-1 draw with Spain thanks to a late equaliser.
The Germans were eliminated in the first round at the 2018 World Cup, at that time their earliest exit in over 80 years.
Germany have their backs to the wall in their last match, needing a win to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stage.
Victory over Costa Rica, who lost 7-0 in their opener to Spain, coupled with a win for Spain against Japan, would see them through along with the Spaniards.
A draw between Spain and Japan in the other game, however, or even a win for Japan, would take the equation to goal difference.
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Costa Rica could go through with a draw if Spain beat Japan, while a win would guarantee their progression.
Costa Rica have got form when it comes to sending illustrious nations home from World Cups and their coach Luis Fernando Suarez says it might be something in the Los Ticos genes.
The Central Americans were given no chance when they were drawn with Italy and England eight years ago in Brazil but ended up topping the group as the two heavyweights went home.
Costa Rica reached the quarter-finals that year, losing to the Netherlands on penalties, but their hopes of similar heroics this time seemed remote after a 7-0 thrashing by Spain, before they bounced back to beat Japan.
“Eight years have gone by and players have changed but you have good memories,” 62-year-old Colombian Suarez, who took charge last year, told reporters on Wednesday.
“Maybe it’s down to the genes of the Costa Ricans. When they reach a World Cup they do things differently and they play well. I’m not just talking about 2014 in Brazil, I think also in Italy 1990 they reached the last 16 when no one believed in them.
“They are never the favourites, which is good.”
What other games are on TV today?
For the final round of fixtures, games in the same group are played at the same time. This is because playing later could give one team an advantage, as they would know exactly what they would need to do to progress to the knockouts.
The final Group F fixtures will be played at 3pm, with both games on the BBC.
Coverage of Croatia vs Belgium starts at 2.30pm on BBC One from the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. Gary Lineker presents, with commentary from Steve Bower and Jermaine Jenas.
Canada vs Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha is over on BBC Two, with coverage beginning at 2.45pm. Gabby Logan presents, with Robyn Cowen and Martin Keown on commentary duties.
The final Group F fixtures kick off at 7pm, with coverage on ITV.
Japan vs Spain will be on ITV1, starting at 6.15pm. The game comes from Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.
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