Costa Rica 2-4 Germany – PLAYER RATINGS: Thomas Muller’s likely final World Cup ends with a whimper

Germany put on a strong attacking display to defeat Costa Rica 4-2 in the World Cup, but could not prevent them from slipping out of the group stage.

Two goals from Kai Havertz between an early goal from Serge Gnabry and a late effort from Niclas Fullkrug secured victory, after coming from 2-1 down in the second half after a goal from Yeltsin Tejeda and an own goal from Manuel Neuer.

However, Japan’s victory over Spain condemned Germany to an early exit, as well as Costa Rica, as Sportsmail rates both sets of players from the final Group E game at Al Bayt Stadium.

Germany was knocked out of the World Cup despite defeating Costa Rica 4-2 in Group E

Costa Rica (5-4-1)

keylor navas – Started the tournament hopelessly against Spain but improved a lot against Germany and kept the score relatively respectable despite still conceding four goals. 8

Oscar Duarte – He nailed the box to allow Serge Gnabry’s header for the first goal from the near post and his night didn’t improve from there. 5

Kendall Waston – Very lucky not to concede a penalty in the first half, knocking Antonio Rudiger to the ground while defending a set piece. The closest he got to a player from Germany all night. Strangely he looked much better attacking. 5.5

John Paul Vargas – Played his part in the mad scramble for the goal mouth that saw Manuel Neuer turn the ball into his own net, but he was a drag on defense – his main role. 4

keysher fuller – Rewarded for not giving up by forcing a rare German error, but should have scored when he went one-on-one with Neuer in the first half. He improved the second half but had trouble defending his right side. 7

celso borges – Was part of an easily outplayed Costa Rica midfield for most of the game. However, he made an excellent challenge to deny Musiala in the first half. 5.5

Yeltsin Tejeda – He barely contributed to any attacks throughout the game, but you can leave the World Cup knowing he scored a famous equalizing goal that will symbolize the start of Germany’s nightmare second half. 6

Bryan Oviedo – Almost the only midfielder from Costa Rica who offered an attacking start in the first half. He played a couple of taunting crosses that needed better finishing. 6

Brandon Aguilera – The teenager was playing just his seventh international match and it showed. He was anonymous in the first half like his teammates and that led to his early retirement. 6.5

joel campbell – Playing as a lone striker against Germany with little support is a daunting task for anyone, but he had one or two half-hearted chances and missed them. 6.5

Johan Venegas – Technically he played as the only centre-forward, but the 34-year-old contributed little before his second-half substitution. 5.5

SUBSTITUTES

Youstin Salas – Winning just his sixth cap, his introduction saw Costa Rica play with a little more adventure, even if they became more open. 6

Ronald Matarrita – Confusingly thrown in to bolster a defense when Costa Rica needed a goal but couldn’t stop Germany’s constant stream of late attacks. 6

jewison bennette – Sunderland’s teenage star couldn’t get a foothold in the game as Germany’s late attack denied Costa Rica any attacking outlets. 6

Germany (4-5-1)

Manuel Neuer – Scored an unfortunate own goal which he couldn’t prevent, but was still alert to make smart saves when rarely called into action. 8

joseph kimmich – Cheerful as ever and forced a good save from Navas with a 30-yard strike – his experience will be crucial in leading Germany out of a disastrous tournament. 7

niklas sule – Little to do on the right side, but was sloppy at the back allowing a cross past him and giving Costa Rica a chance to tie. 5

anthony rudiger – Was careless not to deal with a bounced ball that nearly led Fuller to tie it in the first half. 5.5

david ram – Excellent attacking on the left flank and setting up the first goal, but defensively suspicious with the ball and better teams will be able to exploit it. 5

Ilkay Gundogan – Withdrawn moments before the German night began to unravel at the start of the second half with Tejeda’s goal. He offered little but was free from error. 6

Leon Goretzka – Strong in the first half and dominated midfield, but was still substituted at half-time before Germany’s night unraveled. 6

serge gnabry – He finished well with a header and prepared Havertz for his second goal. Some of his shots were a bit slow, but they are certainly part of Germany’s immediate future. 7

jamal musiala – The ray of light in the dark cloud of the World Cup in Germany. Costa Rica couldn’t handle their runs and deserved a goal, twice off the post. 8.5

leroy sane – He didn’t have the impact he would have wanted after returning to the starting lineup, indicating that he probably needed more fitness for the game. 6

Thomas Muller – He lost great opportunities and, although they did not cost him dearly, he summed up his poor World Cup, which at the age of 33 could be his last.

SUBSTITUTES

lukas klosterman – Lacked the influence shown by players like Goretzka when Costa Rica returned to the game. 6

Niclas Fullkrug – Bittersweet tournament for the 29-year-old who personally proved himself with two goals off the bench, one against Costa Rica. However, it is unlikely to be a long-term answer for Germany’s front line. 8

Kai Havertz – Saved an already humiliating night for Germany from getting even worse after coming off the bench to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead with two conceded goals. 7.5

by Mario Gotze – Germany’s World Cup fortunes have tumbled since their strike to win the tournament in 2014. Their career since then seems to have reflected the German team. 6