FIFA World Cup 2022 has featured many twists and turns as many great pillars of the world football have fallen. Germany is the latest casualty as they crashed out of the FIFA World Cup. Belgium, Mexico, and Denmark are the other unexpected exits from the World Cup while Uruguay’s chances are hanging by a thread.
Germany knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2022:
The Champions of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Germany, have been eliminated in the group stages twice in a row now. An unexpected loss to Japan and a draw against Spain meant that they had to win against Croatia with a good margin to give themselves a chance.
At the same time, they needed Japan to lose against Spain, in order for them to qualify. But Japan’s win against Spain meant that Germans had to pack their bags and go back home.
Germany had a formidable line-up but the loss against Japan derailed their campaign. On the other hand, Spain could have also crashed out of the world cup as they lost to Japan but a better goal difference meant that they survived and progressed to the next round.
Belgium vs. Croatia – Draw meant a heart-breaking exit for the Belgian side:
Belgium were the number two ranked side when they came into this year’s FIFA World Cup. They were strong contenders for the title as they had a very balanced line-up. However, an unexpected loss against Morocco meant their game against Croatia had become a knockout.
Even a draw wasn’t enough for the Belgian side as they had dropped points against Morocco, who had drawn against Croatia and won against Belgium. They also won against Canada to go to the top of the table while a 0-0 finish in the Belgium-Croatia game meant that Belgium had to go home.
Germany and Belgium were very strong contenders for the trophy. And, now both teams are out of the campaign. On the other hand, Morocco and Japan have punched above their weights to finish at the top of their respective groups.
Mexico:
Mexico’s World Cup campaign finished in the most heart-breaking way as a 95th minute goal by Saudi Arabia meant that they were behind Poland on the goal difference. Till then, Poland and Mexico were equal on points and goal difference.
Similarly, the game between Mexico and Poland had finished in a draw. So, an equal number of points and goal difference would have given Mexico a better chance of qualification. But, the 95th minute goal meant that Mexico were also knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Denmark vs. Australia:
The match between Denmark and Australia was another knockout match, with the winner going to the round of 16. Fans and experts excepted Denmark to win and make their way through to the next round. However, the Australian side looked more stable, composed, and clinical in their approach as they registered a 1-0 victory over Denmark to qualify for the round of 16.
