Germany head coach Hansi Flick has blamed a late lapse against Japan in their opening match for his team's early World Cup elimination. Kai Havertz scored twice as Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 in their last group match on Thursday, but Japan's 2-1 win over Spain meant Hansi Flick's side finished third in Group E, behind Spain on goal difference.

Flick said his team had paid the price for a poor performance in the first group fixture against Japan when Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano scored in the last 20 minutes to give the Samurai Blue a 2-1 win.

"Our downfall didn't happen today, but in 20 minutes against Japan," Flick said, reports Xinhua. "We could have won against Spain with a bit more efficiency. Nevertheless, the disappointment is huge."

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