Spain face Japan looking to seal last-16 spot

Doha, Dec.1: After conceding late to miss out on a victory against Germany, Spain finds itself with some work left to do against Japan to guarantee its spot in the round of 16 at the World Cup.

It doesn't need much, though, as a draw on Thursday will be enough, and even a loss may allow La Roja to advance depending on the other Group E result between Germany and Costa Rica.

Japan doesn't have it as easy, but a win will guarantee the Japanese a place in the knockout stage for a second straight time. 

It would be the first time Japan advances past the group stage in back-to-back tournaments. If Japan loses, though, it will head home no matter what. 

The Japanese opened their campaign with a surprising win over four-time champions Germany before losing to Costa Rica. 

Spain, which conceded an 83rd-minute equalizer against Germany, may also go home with a loss if Costa Rica beats Germany or if the Germans win big to overcome Spain's goal difference after La Roja's 7-0 opening win over Costa Rica.

A victory at Khalifa International Stadium will guarantee Spain first place in the group, and keep it on track for a possible matchup with five-time champions Brazil in the quarterfinals. Spain enters the final round with four points, one more than both Japan and Costa Rica. Germany has one point.

"We are not thinking about our opponents in the knockout rounds," Spain midfielder Koke Resurrección said. "We need to beat Japan first and then we'll see which team we'll have to play against. 

If it's Brazil in the quarterfinals, so be it, and we'll try to prepare for it as best as possible." Germany's chances of staying alive in Qatar will largely depend on Spain winning its match against Japan. Then a victory over Costa Rica would be enough for the Germans.

What may not help Germany is the fact that Spain coach Luis Enrique is expected to rotate some of his players after making only one change from the first to the second game — Dani Carvajal coming in for César Azpilicueta in the right back position.

Germany need win

Germany will advance to the round of 16 with a win if Spain also beats Japan in the other group game. Costa Rica controls its fate and will advance with a win.

"We didn't come to sit around and take pictures of Qatar," Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suárez said before the tournament.

Even a draw would be enough for Costa Rica to reach the knockout stages if Spain beats Japan in the group's other game being played at the same time.

"We have a lot of humility," said Germany midfielder Thomas Müller, who pointed to the team's position in the table. "There isn't much reason to be really euphoric."

Müller said Germany's late draw against Spain provided a morale boost for the team, as well as the chance to get to the knockout stages and "show the football world what we're really made of."

"Now we have to do it differently," Müller said. "When the football world looks at Germany vs. Costa Rica, I think we're the favorite for those looking from the outside. It's clear we have to win. Naturally we have respect." (AP)