World Cup fans troll Germany star over brutal detail in shock exit

World Cup fans have shown their ruthless side after taking to social media to mock Kai Havertz after Germany's heatrbreaking World Cup exit in Qatar. Havertz came off the bench to score twice in a 4-2 win against Costa Rica but it was not enough to prevent four-time World Cup champions Germany from sensationally crashing out of the tournament.

Germany finished third in the standings behind Group E winners Japan, who took top spot ahead of Spain courtesy of a come-from-behind 2-1 win against the European powerhouses. The result leaves Japan facing Croatia in the last 16 while Spain will face Morocco.

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For one of the pre-tournament favourites Germany, there was nothing but bitter disappointment as Hansi Flick's side failed to get past the group stages for the second consecutive World Cup. To rub salt into the wounds for Havertz - who was seen in tears after the game - the German forward was made to pose for photos with his man-of-the-match award.

Havertz looked thoroughly unimpressed in the photo as he held up the trophy knowing that his individual accolade counted for absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. The brutal moment was quickly pounced upon by football fans, who proceeded to mercilessly troll the German player on social media.

On a night of high drama in the desert near Doha, the Germans struck first with Serge Gnabry in the 10th minute but saw Costa Rica score twice with Yeltsin Tejeda and Juan Pablo Vargas before a Havertz brace put them back in front. Fellow substitute Niclas Fuellkrug added a fourth in stoppage time but it could do nothing to prevent their elimination as Spain advanced with a superior goal difference.

Japan progress after contentious incident

Germany and Spain both took early leads in results which would have put Germany through. However, things changed dramatically in the space of five second half minutes in Spain's game as Japan scored two quick-fire goals which ultimately sealed Die Mannschaft's fate. Substitute Ritsu Doan equalised for Japan before Ao Tanaka netted the winning goal that left the football world seething.

The goal was allowed to stand after a lengthy VAR review, despite replays and still images appearing to show the ball going out of play. Commentators and fans flocked to social media to condemn the manner in which Japan had won. Many labelled VAR's decision on the second goal 'shocking' and a 'disgrace'.

However, a crucial bird's eye image later emerged that showed part of the ball was still on the line, justifying the VAR's decision to allow the goal to stand.

Germany finished behind Spain on goal difference - thanks to the Spaniard's thumping 7-0 win over Costa Rica in the first game - with Japan setting up a last 16 showdown with Croatia after topping Group E. Spain will face Group F winners Morocco, who secured their progress with a 2-1 win over Canada.

Germany's failure to progress past the group stages was not the only shock on a drama-charged day in Qatar, with No.2-ranked Belgium bundled out after their 0-0 draw with Croatia saw them finish third in Group F. Belgium's exit was painful, with their players slumping to the turf after substitute Romelu Lukaku failed to capitalise on a string of gilt-edged chances.

In the aftermath of their shock exit, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez announced he was leaving his job. "That was my last game with the national team, I can't carry on," Martinez said. "It's the time for me to accept that this is the last game."

with agencies

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