High drama in World Cup as Japan qualify, Germany and Belgium go out

DOHA -- A dramatic night of the FIFA World Cup saw Japan come back from a goal down to beat Spain 2-1 and qualify for the last 16 as Group E winners ahead of Spain on Thursday.

Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2, but the win didn't save them from elimination from the World Cup at the group stage for the second time in succession.

The evening looked to be going to script for the two European powerhouses, as Spain and Germany took the lead in their respective matches, with Alvaro Morata heading Spain ahead in the 11th minute, while Serge Gnabry gave Germany a lead against Costa Rica.

However, the Spanish failed to turn their 80 percent of ball possession into more clear-cut chances, while Germany squandered several options to increase their lead before halftime.

Ritsu Doan equalized for Japan with a left-footed shot in the 48th minute and then combined with fellow substitute Kaoru Mitoma to set up Ao Tanaka three minutes later to put Japan ahead.

That goal meant Germany were out of the tournament, and things got worse for the Germans when Yeltsin Tejeda leveled for Costa Rica in the 58th minute.