Germany out of World Cup despite victory over Costa Rica

Germany coach Hansi Flick wants to return to the fundamentals after his team's two consecutive World Cup early exits.

After their dismal performance as the defending champions in Russia four years prior, the four-time champions were once more eliminated from the group stage.

Flick stated after a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica on Thursday that still wasn't enough to guarantee a place in the round of 16 that "something has to change."

“I believe for the future of German football we need to do things differently in training,” said Flick, who took over as coach after last year’s European Championship. “For years we are talking about new goalkeepers and wingbacks, but Germany was always able to defend well. We need the basics.

“For the future, for the next 10 years, it is very important to focus on the new generation of players.”

Eight years ago, Germany won its fourth World Cup championship by defeating an Argentina squad that was captained by a young Lionel Messi in the championship game at the Maracana Stadium. Germany won that match, making it the only European team to triumph in a World Cup in either North or South America.

The dismal outcome this time in Qatar was put in motion by the team's opening defeat against Japan. Germany lost the game last week 2-1 and then drew 1-1 with Spain the following day.

That gave the Germans a chance in their final match at Al Bayt Stadium, and during the concurrent final group matches on Thursday, it was sufficient for a short period of time. For instance, Japan was losing to Spain at the break while Germany was defeating Costa Rica, events that would have advanced Germany to the round of 16.

Japan's 2-1 victory over Spain was ultimately what prevented the Germans from competing in at least one more match in Qatar.

Spain was suggested by Flick as a good example for his nation to emulate.

“Spain is very good in defence,” he said, even though the 2010 World Cup champions ultimately lost to Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. “It focuses on training young players. They know the tactics well.”

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