An epic round of fixtures on Thursday saw Japan stun 2010 world champions Spain to seal their place in the knockout rounds at the expense of mighty Germany. Germany, who suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat to the Japanese earlier in the tournament, were eliminated on goal difference. It is the second straight World Cup that Germany have failed to go beyond the group stage, a startling fall from grace for the four-time champions who last won the title in 2014.
German veteran Thomas Muller described the loss on Thursday as an "absolute catastrophe" while striker Kai Havertz said simply: "I don't think we're a tournament team anymore." The German exit has understandably put the future of coach Hansi Flick under scrutiny. Flick's contract runs until 2024, when Germany will host the European Championship on home soil.
German Football Federation (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf said Friday there was no question of Flick being granted a "blank cheque" to continue as he announced a review of the debacle. "As soon as the analysis is completed, we will present the conclusions to you," Neuendorf told reporters in Qatar. But former Germany international Dietmar Hamann said Flick should be hustled out of the door, pointing the finger of blame at the coach.
"Everyone does what they want in the team. I see no reason why Flick should remain coach," Hamann told Sky Germany. "He has not managed to form a team, a squad that is competitive. In terms of players, we are better than at least two teams in our group. He didn't get the cohesion right."