Germany crash out of World Cup despite victory over Costa Rica (updated-1)

DOHA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Four-time champions Germany crashed out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar despite a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in their final Group E match on Thursday.

Serge Gnabry and Niclas Fullkrug struck either side of a Kai Havertz brace for the European side, while Yeltsin Tejeda's goal and German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's own goal had once put Costa Rica ahead 2-1.

The result means Germany finished third in Group E, two points behind leaders Japan and trailing second-placed Spain on goal difference.