How can Spain qualify for the World Cup knockout stages?
By Euan Burns
It has not all been plain sailing for Spain so far at the Qatar 2022 World Cup but Luis Enrique's side will be confident that they can get the job done on Thursday evening as Group E comes to a close.
Spain just need to concentrate on themselves and beat Japan to try and keep the situation in their own hands. All four teams in the group have got a chance of getting through to the round of 16 so it will be a night of thrilling twists and turns in Qatar.
Here is what Spain need in order to reach the round of 16, something that is considered the bare minimum for La Roja.
- Who could Spain face in the World Cup knockout stages?
- World Cup Group E: What do Spain, Germany, Japan and Costa Rica need to qualify?
Spain at the World Cup so far
Things started off extremely well for Spain as they recorded what is still the biggest win of the tournament. They thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 and it seemed like, while considered one of the favourites, Spain could be better than people anticipated.
The other ominous element of that win for other teams was the fact that there were seven different goalscorers; Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio, Ferran Torres, Gavi, Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata. There are goals all over the pitch for the Spanish.
They weren't able to secure early passage to the round of 16 though against Germany as a late equaliser from Niclas Fullkrug meant the game ended 1-1. With four points though, Spain are in the driving seat when it comes to the final game.
Spain remaining World Cup group fixtures
The final group game for Spain to navigate their way through is against Japan, a team that are very hard to judge right now. The win over Germany was of course very impressive, but they followed up by a dismal 1-0 loss against a Costa Rica side that had just shipped seven against Spain.
It is a very tough one to predict but it will be taking place at the Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday evening at 19:00 GMT. Spain and Japan have only ever met once and it was a friendly in 2001. It ended with a 1-0 win to Spain, a scoreline they will happily take on Thursday.
How can Spain qualify for the World Cup knockout stages?
Spain currently top the group with four points while Japan have three, as do Costa Rica; Germany have one. It is all to play for which is why there are so many different possible outcomes.
Until the point they find themselves behind, Spain know they just need to win or draw to secure their place in the next round. A win would make sure they are top of the group.
If Spain were to be beaten by Japan, they would need to hope that Costa Rica do not beat Germany. That is the only situation where Spain do not make it through to the next round. The 7-0 win means that they easily win any battle that comes down to goal difference, something that will be a relief for Luis Enrique.
A convincing win over Japan would mean that Spain have got seven points from the group stage which contained a fellow major side, and beat a team 7-0 in the progress. That has to be viewed as a success.
Harry Symeou hosts Jack Gallagher and Toby Cudworth to look back on Germany '06 as part of the 'Our World Cup' series. We take a trip down memory lane - join us!
If you can't see the podcast embed, click to download or listen to the episode in full!