Spanish newspaper thanks the German team
In the 70th minute in the last match of Group E of the World Cup, Spain lost 1-2 in the match against Japan, while Costa Rica led 2-1 Germany. If these results hold, Spain is eliminated and Japan and Costa Rica continue. While Luis Enrique's teachers and students could not find an equalizer against Japan, Germany defeated Costa Rica 4-2 thanks to a double from substitute Kai Havertz and a goal from Niclas Fullkrug. Thanks to that, Spain entered the 1/8 round, while Germany and Costa Rica were eliminated.
"Thank you, Havertz," headlined AS. "The goals of the German striker put us in the round of 16". "Thank you German, thank you Havertz," Marca also posted on the front page.
Mundo Deportivo newspaper said that Spain should divide the prize money with Germany, if Enrique's teachers and students win the World Cup. The pro-Barca newspaper also pointed out that the heroes of Spain in the group stage were Serge Gnabry, Kai Havertz and Niclas Fullkurg - German players scored against Costa Rica in the last match.
The Spanish newspapers also felt sorry for the Germans, saying that Hansi Flick's teachers and students saved the Bull Country team, but Spain could not do the same to bring Germany into the next round.
Mundo Deportivo newspaper also proposed the Spanish team to play a friendly with Germany, if it won the World Cup. The chosen location can be Munich - where there are many Bayern players, or Aachen - the birthplace of the "hero" Havertz. "The heroes of Spain flew home today," the Mundo Deportivo article reads. "They're really good."
In the match against Japan, Spain held the ball with a rate of 74%, but lost 1-2 in reverse. Enrique's students passed 991 passes, compared to only 175 for Japan. The press of this country suspected that Spain was trying to be second in the group to avoid Brazil in the quarterfinals. In the round of 16, Spain will meet Morocco and if they win, they will face the winner of Group H or the runner-up of Group G in the quarterfinals. Brazil, the No. 1 champion candidate, is likely to top Group G and be in the other bracket.
