Spain, Japan, Costa Rica and Germany will put an end to the activity in this group with everything to play for. Have a look at each team's chances.

Just like it has been in almost all groups in the FIFA World Cup, all teams get to the final matchday with their options open, and Group E is not an exception with three points between the top team in the lot and the fourth-ranked team in the group.

Spain and Japan seem to have the upper hand over Costa Rica and Germany, but fate had it in such way that the Japanese and La Roja will have to battle each other for a spot in the next round, which could benefit the other two teams as things stand.

Let us have a look at the group prior to Thursday's games.

Now, let us get to what each team needs as they are currently ranked.

Spain

La Roja control their fate like no other team in the group, since a win for them would solve any issues and grant them the top spot. A draw would also see them through, but they could be toppled from the top spot by Cost Rica if Los Ticos can beat Germany. A loss could also jeopardize their options to make the KO stage, mainly since Germany could equal their points tally and match -or even improve- their goal difference.

Japan

The Samurai Blue are in a better position than their rivals, mainly because of their goal difference. A win or a draw against Germany could see them through to the next round even if Germany defeated Costa Rica, but a loss would practically eliminate them from the tournament if Costa Rica draw their match against Germany or if Die Mannschaft claim a two-goal win.

Costa Rica

Los Ticos began the competition on the wrong foot, but their win against Japan gave them a glimmer of hope in terms of reaching the next stage. Los Ticos could be through to the next round in the event of a win and even with a draw combined to a loss by Japan. If Los Ticos lose, then their chances of making it to the next round will come to an end.

Germany

The German side could see their run in a FIFA World Cup being brought to an end in the group stage for a second tournament in a row. Die Mannschaft need to win and to have a combination of results that sees Japan losing to Spain. A draw or a loss would leave Germany out of the race and with the embarrasment of ending the group stage in last place of their lot.

Group E matches on December 1

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Costa Rica 2 - 4 Germany

December 1, 2022 2:00pmAl Bayt Stadium (Al Khor)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

Live TV coverage and streaming in United States

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Match details, result and original broadcast info

Japan 2 - 1 Spain

December 1, 2022 2:00pmKhalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan (Ar-Rayyan))

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

Live TV coverage and streaming in United States

FOX Network
fuboTV
Sling
Telemundo
Peacock
Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
Foxsports.com
FOX Sports App
UFORIA App
Futbol de Primera Radio
SiriusXM FC