Belgium and Germany suffered shock exits while Japan and Morocco’s remarkable journeys continue.
Here are the best photos from day 12 at the 2022 World Cup.
Germany may have beaten Costa Rica 4-2 but they were eliminated from the group stage for the second successive tournament.
For a few moments at least, it looked as if Costa Rica were going to be heading through when they went 2-1 up …
But two goals from Kai Havertz and one from Nicklas Füllkrug ended what was a spirited display from Luis Fernando Suárez’s side.
However, Japan’s victory over Germany has sent Hansi Flick and his men home.
It was all going so swimmingly for Spain when they went in 1-0 ahead of Japan at half-time.
Japan came out of the blocks firing in the second half, scoring two goals in three minutes to turn this group on it’s head.
And one stage Spain were also heading out, but Germany’s win over Costa Rica ensured La Roja’s progression, but it was all about Japan tonight.
After all that madness, it’s hard to forget that there were other games earlier on tonight, as Belgium’s journey ended after a goalless draw with Croatia.
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to miss a string of huge chances, accumulating an xG of 1.90.
Belgium are out, and Roberto Martinez’s time in charge of the Red Devils has ended after he announced his resignation post-match.
But it was all smiles for Croatia.
Morocco also sealed their progression into the last-16 for the first time since 1986 after beating Canada 2-1.
Youssef En-Nesyri bagged the second.
Morocco manager Walid Regragui might feel a little stiff tomorrow.
While there was also history made tonight as Stephanie Frappart became the first women to referee a men’s World Cup match when she took charge of Germany’s clash with Costa Rica.
