Group E and F permutations: Germany on the brink, Croatia edge three-way race

Group E

No wins in their opening two matches, including a 2-1 shock against Japan, have left Germany reeling at bottom of Group E, meaning they must win against Costa Rica and then rely on 2010 champions Spain to beat Japan in order to remain in contention for qualification.

If the Spain-Japan encounter ends in a draw, then Germany will need to win by at least two goals to advance.

On the other hand, qualification-favourites Spain need at least one point against Japan to go through to the last 16. Luis Enrique’s men could still qualify (but would likely finish second by virtue of goal difference) if they are defeated.

A win for Japan over Spain will take the Blue Samurai through. If Hajime Moriyasu’s side end up with a draw, they could also go though if other results are in their favour.

Costa Rica will book their place in the last 16 if they beat Germany and will also go through if they draw as long as Spain beat Japan. A draw, however, in the Spain-Japan game would see Keylor Navas’ side go home.

Group F

It’s a three-way race for qualification in Group F as Croatia, Morocco, and Belgium are all in with a shot to go through to the last 16. With Canada already eliminated.

Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia would need to avoid defeat against Belgium to qualify for the next round.

The Red Devils, however, would need a win to guarantee a place in the next round. Belgium’s win would also change the equation for 2018 runners-up Croatia.

Such a win for Belgium would see Croatia resting their hopes on Canada to beat Morocco in the other group game as goal difference would come in to separate Croatia and the Atlas Lions.

A draw would most likely send Belgium home as Roberto Martinez’s troops, in that case, will need second-placed Morocco to lose to Canada with and then reply on gaol different to decide their fate. Morocco already hold a +3 advantage in goal difference over Belgium.

Walid Regragui’s men will pass through with a win over Canada but if they end up sharing the spoils with the North-American side, they would have to bank on Croatia coming out unscathed against Belgium.

In the case of a loss, Morocco will have to hope that Belgium beat Croatia by a margin of 2-0 or more as goal difference would have the final say on who goes through between them and the Croatia.