In the final round of Group E, Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2, however, at the same time, Spain unexpectedly lost to Japan, making Germany once again suffered the embarrassing fate of "winning and going out". After being eliminated from the group stage of the World Cup in Russia four years ago, Germany is once again in a similar nightmare. After the match, team leader Felix said he would not blame Spain for failing to lend a helping hand, and hinted that he might consider resigning.
Since their first World Cup appearance in 1934, where they finished third, Germany have never missed a tournament, except for 1950, when they were absent due to a ban.In 2014, Germany won the title for the fourth time without ever being eliminated from the tournament in the first round of the group stage. However, having tasted bitterness for the first time in 2018, this World Cup is once again a repeat. Felix said after the game, "I won't blame Spain, it's our fault for going out. We had enough chances against both Japan and Spain but we didn't capitalize on them, so it's very disappointing."
Germany finished in the last 16 of last year's Europa League and Felix took over after the final week. However, with the disastrous end of this World Cup, Fejlik's position has been called into question. He responded, "It's a bit difficult to answer the question of resignation immediately after the exit, we will make a decision as soon as possible and people won't have to wait long for an answer."
