It seems crazy to think, but the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Manuel Neuer and Jamal Musiala could all be heading home early from the World Cup today.
The Belgium camp has exploded into controversy with snarky comments in the press and dressing room leaks, while Germany needed a late equaliser against Spain to avoid a very early exit from the group stage after two games.
Group E is looking very tasty indeed.
An impressive looking Spain will qualify for the last 16 with a win or draw against Japan. They will top the group with victory, and a draw will be enough if Costa Rica fail to win.
Outsiders Japan go through if they can beat Spain. A draw will see them into the next round in the unlikely event that Germany draw with Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, despite being hammered by Spain in their first game, could head into the knockouts with a win over Germany. A draw will also be enough if Japan lose to the Spanish.
Now, what do bottom side Germany need, you ask? They will qualify with a win over Costa Rica, as long as Spain beat Japan. It’s very unlikely, but if Germany win and Spain lose, the Germans will have to overturn an eight-goal swing to advance.
Also, if Germany win by two or more goals, and Spain draw with Japan, the Germans are through to the last 16 stage.
Over to Group F and Croatia are in the driving seat. The 2018 runners-up will head into the last 16 if they beat or draw with Belgium. They can actually advance with a defeat, as long as Morocco lose as well, and by a larger margin.
Morocco are sitting pretty too. They are through as long as they avoid defeat to Canada. They can lose and still qualify as well, as long as Croatia beat Belgium.
Canada are already out, so it’s over to Belgium. A victory over Croatia is likely their only route to the last 16, with a draw only being enough if Morocco get hammered by Canada, and that isn’t happening.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
