Thomas Muller wants more support from his Germany team-mates as he bids to ensure Thursday's clash with Costa Rica is not his final World Cup game.

Germany must beat Costa Rica at Al Bayt, and rely on Japan failing to beat Spain, if they are to qualify from Group E.

History is on Germany's side – they have won six of their eight World Cup matches against CONCACAF nations, while Costa Rica have won just one of their last 11 such games against European sides.

But, should Germany fail to get the win they need to stay in the competition, 33-year-old Muller might well have played at a World Cup for the last time.

The Bayern Munich forward is putting that concern to one side, for now, however.

"I had that thought briefly after the [defeat to] Japan," said Muller in a press conference.

"[But] since that Costa Rica win against Japan, there was a spark going through our camp when we watched the game. That game's result was important for us.

"We managed to transport these emotions to the Spain game and now we know that with a win, we have a good chance to proceed. So the thought of playing my final World Cup has faded a bit now."

Muller, who has 10 World Cup goals to his name, has started both of Germany's games in Qatar, but he is yet to have a single shot. Indeed, against Spain on Sunday, he managed just 18 touches in his 70 minutes on the pitch, with his replacement Niclas Fullkrug netting the equaliser for Hansi Flick's side.

While admitting his frustration at his lack of proficiency, Muller has asked for more from the players around him.

"My role over the last years has always been the same. I'm trying to share information with my team-mates and a willingness to perform," said Muller, who is now without a goal in his last 10 World Cup appearances.

"This is how I want to set an example. In the end, as I know, you will be evaluated as an offensive player by your goals or goal involvements. Having no shots on goal in two games, I am not happy.

"Especially when I am scoring a lot in training. But the games happen as they do and when a chance is coming, you have to be on it.

"We don't have many players like Jamal Musiala who in any zone of the pitch can create their own chances. I don't see myself like that, I need some support."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Costa Rica – Keysher Fuller

Keysher Fuller scored from Costa Rica's very first shot on target at this World Cup, after more than 184 minutes of football played (including added time).

Fuller could become the fourth Costa Rica player to score more than once at a single World Cup after Bryan Ruiz in 2014, Paulo Wanchope in 2006 and Ronald Gomez in 2002.

Germany – Jamal Musiala

Bayern prodigy Musiala has been the bright spark for Germany at this tournament, and provided the assist for Fullkrug's equaliser against Spain, becoming the youngest Germany player to set up a World Cup goal since Muller did so against Australia in 2010.

Musiala has created five chances across his two games in Qatar, which is a joint-high in Germany's squad, alongside David Raum.

 

PREDICTION

Germany beat Costa Rica in their only previous match, which came at the 2006 World Cup.

Opta's model gives Costa Rica, who could sneak through with a win, just a 13.4 per cent chance of an upset, while Germany are the big favourites at 66 per cent. 

Graham Arnold suggested Australia could have a "new golden generation" on their hands after they qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup.

The Socceroos' 1-0 win over Denmark on Wednesday meant they finished second in Group D behind France, despite the defending champions losing 1-0 to Tunisia.

Mathew Leckie's goal on the hour-mark was enough for Australia, and head coach Arnold was beaming with pride at his post-match press conference.

"I'm just so proud of the players," he said. "The work ethic, their commitment, their fight, the way they played.

"Denmark are a very good team, they're top 10 in the world for a reason - defensively, I thought we were outstanding."

After their victory against Tunisia, Australia's win meant they achieved consecutive victories at a World Cup for the first time, while they progressed from the group stages for just the second time in six tournament appearances (also 2006).

Thousands of fans gathered at Federation Square in Melbourne to watch the game and celebrate the win, and Arnold believes it shows the impact of football in the country.

"I truly believe the Socceroos are a team that unites the nation," he added. "When the Cricket World Cup is on you don't see Federation Square like that.

"I'm so proud we've been able to put smiles on people's faces. Maybe we should be talking about a new golden generation now, after the golden generation of 2006 who got four points [at the World Cup in Germany], we got six."

Goalscorer Leckie admitted he had "no idea" that Tunisia had scored against France moments before he did against Denmark, meaning Australia had briefly been on course to head out themselves. 

Speaking to reporters, the 31-year-old described his thinking for the goal, saying: "We won the ball, I had one more man to beat, I wanted to cut inside but the defender went that way too, so just in the moment I went left again and swung the left boot.

"For the celebration I didn't really know what to do. I got slapped in the head [by team-mates and substitutes] about 100 times. It shows how much of a team we are. Everyone's here for each other, it's so nice to be a part of this team."

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand did not want to speak too much about his team's performance, preferring to wait until he had a chance to process it, but did admit: "We did not reach our level, no doubt.

"We did not produce the quality we can. It is my responsibility that when you come to the World Cup that you reach your best level and we didn't do that."

The Danes had 68.8 per cent possession and created 13 chances, but hit the target just three times at Al Janoub Stadium as they crashed out of the tournament.

"We haven't played with the tempo and rhythm," Hjulmand added. "We started well, but our structures went out of the match. There was too little quality.

"We shouldn't have gone in with such emotion, but should have shown more quality. Our quality was good against France, but in the two other games it was not good enough."

Andrea Agnelli says Juventus "is bigger than any man" following his surprise resignation as chairman this week.

Juve announced after an emergency meeting on Monday that Agnelli, vice-president Pavel Nedved and managing director Maurizio Arrivabene had all quit their roles.

It comes amid an investigation into alleged tax fraud, which Juventus have denied, and on the back of the club registering a record loss of €254.3million for 2021-22. 

Agnelli had held his position as chairman of Juve since 2010, when becoming the fourth member of his family to run the club after his father, uncle and grandfather.

Juve won nine Serie A titles during Agnelli's tenure, but it was agreed that stepping aside was the best option for all parties involved.

"Juventus is bigger than any man who could ever be at the helm," Agnelli said at an event on Wednesday.

"I remain Juve's number one fan and this will not change anything for the plans and objectives of the squad, a team that is capable of winning anything."

Agnelli's cousin John Elkann, the chief executive of Juve's majority ownership group Exor, confirmed on Tuesday that Massimiliano Allegri will stay on as head coach.

Elkann also announced the club "does not need fresh capital" as he rejected suggestions the family could look to sell the club they have run for nearly a century.

"We are in a situation where there is a clear direction going forward, as we already announced yesterday," Elkann added. 

Gianluca Ferrero is set to succeed Agnelli as chairman when Juve hold their delayed shareholders' meeting on January 18.

Lionel Messi is set to break Diego Maradona's record of the most World Cup appearances for Argentina after being named in their starting XI against Poland.

The late, great Maradona played 21 games at World Cup tournaments and Wednesday's match at Stadium 974 will be Messi's 22nd on this stage.

But Messi will be hoping that is not the only way he can eclipse Maradona at the 2022 World Cup.

Argentina find themselves in a tricky position heading into the Group C encounter, with elimination a real possibility.

If La Albiceleste lose, they will be knocked out, while a draw may not be enough to take them through to the last 16 either.

Although regarded by many as the greatest player ever, Messi's legacy will forever be tinged by World Cup failure if he does not lift the trophy Maradona inspired his nation to in 1986.

On the other hand, success in Qatar would arguably see Messi conquer the final frontier of the "GOAT" debate.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made subtle changes elsewhere in his starting XI, with Julian Alvarez coming in for Lautaro Martinez up top, while Lisandro Martinez was replaced at centre-back by the fit-again Cristian Romero.

Enzo Fernandez, scorer of a stunning clincher in the 2-0 win over Mexico last time out, was named among the midfielders, while Scaloni swapped out Gonzalo Montiel at right-back for Nahuel Molina.

Argentina will be looking to progress to the knockout stages for a 13th time in their last 14 World Cup appearances, with their only group stage elimination during this period coming in 2002.

Meanwhile, Messi is only two short of Gabriel Batistuta's record of the most World Cup goals scored for Argentina (10).

Dusan Vlahovic believes his injury woes are behind him ahead of Serbia's must-win World Cup clash with Switzerland on Friday, declaring he would play "with one leg" if necessary. 

Vlahovic was an unused substitute as Serbia squandered a 3-1 lead in Monday's thrilling 3-3 draw with Cameroon, having only played 24 minutes from the bench in their 2-0 loss to Brazil on matchday one after struggling with a groin injury.

Serbia must beat Switzerland to have any chance of reaching the last 16, while their fate could be decided by goal difference if Cameroon beat Brazil, and Vlahovic is determined to be involved.

Asked about his condition at a press conference on Wednesday, Vlahovic said: "I managed to recover in 10 days to be available for the national team.

"We all talk to the coach every day, he knows my possibilities. If needed with one leg, I'm ready. 

"The question is how much I can help the team. I feel much better and I'm ready to help us go for the win.

"We feel the support and you can see and feel in the air that the people believe in us. We knew that the game with Switzerland would be decisive for us, we live for it. 

"Against them, we promise to play to the maximum. If they are better, let them beat us, if not, we will win."

Switzerland edged out Serbia by two points to qualify from Group E at the 2018 World Cup, claiming a 2-1 victory from a highly charged head-to-head meeting between the teams.  

In the aftermath of that game, Switzerland goalscorers Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri – both of whom are of Albanian-Kosovan descent – were charged by FIFA after appearing to celebrate their strikes by performing an Albanian nationalist gesture.

Those celebrations led to Serbia – which does not recognise Kosovo's independence – lodging a formal complaint, but Vlahovic was unwilling to stray from on-pitch matters ahead of the teams' reunion.

"We are not interested in provocations, we are here for the football story," Vlahovic said.

"There is nothing better and more beautiful than to win the next match. The passage to the knockout phase will mean everything to the whole nation and us."

Phil Foden felt pressure to perform on his first World Cup start before experiencing "one of the best feelings" during England's 3-0 victory over Wales.

The Manchester City midfielder was included in the starting XI by Gareth Southgate, who was widely scrutinised for not introducing the 22-year-old as a substitute in the goalless draw with the United States.

Foden did not disappoint and drew the free-kick from which Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock, before doubling the Three Lions' lead by arriving at the far post to tuck away Harry Kane's inviting cross.

"It is hard not to hear what everyone is saying," he told England's official YouTube channel. "But at the same time, I try not to read too much and just try to be me and be humble and work hard.

"I felt a little bit of pressure going into the game to be honest because everyone was pushing for me to play. I just tried to remember to relax and play my own football.

"I was raring to get the start and thanks to Gareth, he started me against Wales. I thought that all the wingers had scored and 'when is it going to be my chance?' So, to get the opportunity to play in such a big game and to score was extra special.

"It was one of the best feelings I have ever had in my career. You could see by my celebration, it meant so much. I expect more from myself, I expect more goals, so to get in at the back post as a winger is what you always what to see."

After England progressed to the knockout stages as Group B winners, Foden will hope to retain his place for the last-16 tie against Senegal on Sunday and he feels the Three Lions' strength in depth will prove crucial as they aim to go deep in Qatar.

"You can see the balance right through the team, it is not just the attackers doing well, Harry Maguire and John Stones have done brilliantly defending as well, it is a full team effort," he said.

"A lot of different players have played, but every time they have put on the England shirt they have done the best they can. It is good to have that competition and everyone is ready to go – it’s important.

"To win a World Cup, you don't just have a strong XI, you have people that can come off the bench and change it, that's what we have here. We have so much talent on the bench, so it is important."

Tunisia enjoyed a famous 1-0 win over France but it was not enough for them to advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Needing a win and Denmark to avoid defeat to Australia to stand any chance, Jalel Kadri's men fulfilled their end of the bargain with a stirring performance that was rewarded by Wahbi Khazri's superb second-half strike.

But Australia's 1-0 win over Denmark meant it was the Socceroos that accompanied France in qualifying from Group D.

France were already guaranteed a place in the last 16 and that was reflected in Didier Deschamps' starting XI, Les Bleus' boss making nine changes from the team that beat the Danes on Saturday.

France looked like a team thrown together for the most part, although Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann were sent on to rescue the situation shortly after the defending champions fell behind. Griezmann almost came up trumps but saw his stoppage-time strike ruled out for offside.

Khazri was behind most of Tunisia’s best moments and he almost helped conjure up the opener after eight minutes. His vicious, inswinging free-kick eluded the France defence and was turned in by Nader Ghandri only for his effort to be ruled out by an offside flag.

Khazri came close himself 10 minutes before the break, forcing goalkeeper Steve Mandanda to palm his long-range shot to safety.

In between, Randal Kolo Muani played in Kingsley Coman but his first touch was poor, leading him to slice his shot wide.

Khazri's next significant involvement resulted in the opening goal. The Montpellier man, who has spent the bulk of his career playing in France, picked the ball up 40 yards from goal and slalomed his way through the France defence before slotting past Mandanda.

Deschamps turned to his big guns but they could not find a way past a resolute Tunisia defence, although they came close three times - Mbappe forcing a brilliant save from Aymen Dahmen following a wonderful piece of skill before Kolo Muani shot narrowly wide. Then, in injury time, Griezmann fired in only for VAR to intervene with the goal disallowed for offside.

 

Australia advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup after securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Denmark on Wednesday.

Mathew Leckie's winning goal at Al Janoub Stadium meant Tunisia - who drew with France - joined Denmark in exiting the tournament as Graham Arnold's side went through as Group D runners-up.

The Socceroos qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup for only a second time from six tournament appearances, having only previously done so in 2006, and will now play the winners of Group C.

It is home time for Kasper Hjulmand's men though, who disappointed after reaching the Euro 2020 semi-finals, and are now winless in their last six World Cup games (D4 L2), since beating Peru in their first game of the 2018 tournament.

Harry Kane's lack of goals at the World Cup does not worry his former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who believes the striker's creative prowess can help England go far in Qatar.

Despite England scoring nine times in three Group B fixtures, Kane is yet to net at the tournament, with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka instead providing the Three Lions' main goal threat from wide positions.

Kane has, however, recorded three assists at the tournament, becoming the first England player to do so at a single World Cup since David Beckham in 2002.

Asked about Kane's form by Sky Sports, Pochettino highlighted the England captain's creative contribution while also backing him to find his shooting boots in the knockout stages. 

"I think Harry can provide good assists and score goals," Pochettino said. "I would rather Kane scores the decisive goals, rather than in a result where England can beat the opponent by five or six. 

"Harry's focus is great, he's one of the best strikers in the world and I'm sure that he's going to score.

"He's capable of everything. In my second conversation with him, I said 'you could play centre-back, full-back, midfielder… out wide.'

"Goalkeeper? No, once, I remember in a Europa League game [for Spurs against Asteras Tripolis in 2014], he was a disaster in goal and made a mistake. The rest of the positions, yes.

"Harry Kane is a player who is so clever, now he reads the game and knows when the game needs him to drop, or when it needs him to be up front. He's a player that can do everything." 

Tuesday's 3-0 win over Wales ensured England topped their World Cup group for the first time since 2006, and Pochettino says no team will relish the prospect of facing the Three Lions.

Asked whether England would fear a potential fixture against holders France or pre-tournament favourites Brazil, he added: "For France, it's no different. 

"Their team can be in trouble if they face England also. England have the quality to be one of the national teams with the possibility to win, I saw a really, really good performance last night. 

"The quality is there. I really believe that, this year, England can fight to try to lift the World Cup."

England will face Senegal for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday. The Three Lions are unbeaten in their seven previous meetings with African nations in the competition (W4 D3), beating Cameroon after extra-time in their only previous such game in the knockout stages, in 1990.

Luis Enrique insists Spain will not take any chances by trying to engineer a specific result against Japan in an attempt to avoid Brazil in the World Cup quarter-finals.

La Roja face Samurai Blue on Thursday knowing a victory will secure top spot in Group E and set up a last-16 clash with the runners-up from Group F.

But that would also put them on track to play the Selecao in the last eight.

Trying to avoid Brazil has been a topic of much debate during Spain's media duties in the past few days, and Luis Enrique even confessed to discussing the situation with his team.

But trying to manipulate a result that would see Spain finish second is far too risky for Luis Enrique's liking.

"Great question, we've wondered about this and reflected on it. From a professional point of view, we are only thinking of winning because the four teams can qualify," he said.

"We want to be first, we cannot and should not speculate. It's very human to talk about it, we have done it, but it's useless to choose.

"Imagine, we reach minute 95, we are drawing 0-0, we are winners of the group. But then just before full-time, Costa Rica and Japan score. You've speculated the entire game and then in the last 15 seconds you concede. That's it, you're out.

"If you're convinced your team is a good one [you try to win]. We're here to win seven games.

"Your theory is Brazil [in the quarter-finals]. Let's play Brazil. We can't start with these estimations.

"We try to put up a fight – it doesn't matter who we're playing in the round of 16 or quarter-finals.

"If we play Brazil in the quarters, well so be it… We must beat Japan – elite sport and speculation don't compute, or we don't understand it that way. Being first would mean that we have been better.

"To win a World Cup you have to win against everyone who comes your way. That's our goal."

In fact, Luis Enrique went on to suggest he would welcome facing Brazil in the quarter-finals, even if it meant a trickier route to the final for La Roja.

"I hope to play against Brazil. It will mean that we have both reached the quarter-finals," he continued.

"Brazil is always a clear favourite [for the World Cup], regardless of the year. They have so much talent and quality, both individually and collectively.

"As for everyone else [the favourites], there aren't big surprises. I always stick to the FIFA rankings, you can see which are the favourites. You look at the top 10, some aren't here but generally those are the favourites. Brazil, France won [their groups] easily, so there's no surprises."

Spain have generally impressed across their first two games with their vibrant and attack-minded style of play, with many considering them early favourites despite possessing one of the youngest squads.

But one of their young talents who is yet to make an appearance is Ansu Fati, who some felt was fortunate to even be named in the squad after only playing bit-part role for Barcelona this season on his return from injury.

Luis Enrique acknowledged Fati was the most uncertain selection in the group, but he stressed he was thrilled with the training level of all of his forwards.

"He was the last player to enter the list. He wasn't even in the squad in the previous two international breaks. It might be the position where I had the most doubts, regarding bringing Ansu or another player.

"I have to base my decisions on training. We have eight forwards training so well, I am delighted with them, they are flying. It's a shame they've not all had minutes, they all deserve to play and it hurts me, but there's no space for everyone – some will not play.

"There's five substitutes allowed, and some players will end the competition without playing a minute. I'm sorry about that, so sorry, but they have to keep training at a top level and I make decisions based on what I see. I am sorry, but also happy with what I see from those eight players."

Marcus Rashford must start for England against Senegal in the World Cup last 16 after his performance against Wales, says Gary Neville.

The Manchester United forward bagged a double on his first start of the tournament to steer the Three Lions to a 3-0 victory over their neighbours in their final Group B match.

Drafted in by Gareth Southgate alongside Phil Foden to replace Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling up top, Rashford's superb showing has provided further selection headaches for his boss.

But Neville believes there should be no question about his place, tipping him to be among the first names on the teamsheet.

"He's been like that for a good six months at Manchester United now," he told Sky Sports. "He's back on it.

"He's a massive talent, he can improve, and he will continue to improve. It's great to see him in an England shirt.

"I think he's actually pushed himself into a position whereby he's the one I think will start on Sunday. He's the one guaranteed to start in that wide position with [Harry] Kane in the middle."

Neville also had high praise for Foden, who netted the other goal against Wales on his first start at Qatar 2022, but also noted he was unsure whether he would get the nod.

"I thought he did really well because there was pressure on him," he added. "There was massive focus from everyone on him.

"I would keep those two in, but I love Sterling, I love Saka as well, so I couldn't really complain if any of them were in.

"Sterling has been a brilliant performer for Gareth, so it's really difficult to see. I thought Rashford and Foden were the two outstanding players [against Wales] that looked most dangerous."

Belgium have lost form at a terrible time at the World Cup, with their place in the last 16 at risk against Croatia, but Eden Hazard still believes in their quality.

The Red Devils were out of sorts in beating Canada 1-0 and were duly punished in their second match against Morocco, losing 2-0.

That defeat ended a 13-game unbeaten run in group-stage games at the finals, although they have not lost consecutive such matches since a sequence of three in a row across the 1982 and 1986 tournaments.

Another reverse against Croatia – who impressed in crushing Canada – would see them eliminated, while a draw may not be enough either.

"We have to do better, we cannot deliver the performance we want [right now]," said captain Hazard, who also skippered Belgium to the semi-finals four years ago.

"We have to show it on the pitch, that is what counts. We still have quality in the group and are here to win.

"We lack confidence because of that last pass and that last dribble. We have to regain that confidence."

That lack of confidence is particularly evident in the final third, with Belgium netting with just one of 19 shots. That conversion rate of 5.3 per cent is their lowest at a finals since converting only three of 93 attempts in 1982 (3.2 per cent).

Concerningly, Croatia have had no such issues of late, with their four goals against Canada tying their World Cup record for a single match (also vs Cameroon in 2014).

The 2018 finalists have also won four of their past five group-stage matches, drawing the other, and their only defeats to fellow European nations in 10 World Cup meetings have been to France – in both 1998 and 2018.

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Croatia – Andrej Kramaric

Kramaric was in inspired form against Canada, scoring twice before being substituted 17 minutes from time when he surely would have backed himself for a hat-trick. It was only the second World Cup brace by a Croatia player (also Mario Mandzukic vs Cameroon in 2014).

Belgium – Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku has appeared for only nine minutes as a substitute so far at this tournament, but it is surely time for Belgium to turn to their main man. He has scored all three of the Red Devils' goals across their past two meetings with Croatia – both of which they have won.

PREDICTION

This is one of the most finely balanced matches of the tournament so far, according to the supercomputer. While Belgium are marginal favourites, given a 37.2 per cent chance of winning, Croatia are just behind on 36.5 per cent.

Does that make a draw most likely? That result, which suits Croatia far better than Belgium, is rated at 26.3 per cent.

Morocco boss Walid Regragui warned his team are "ready to die for it" as they look to secure a last-16 spot at the World Cup and send a Group F heavyweight home.

The Atlas Lions are on the brink of the second round after holding Croatia to a goalless draw and topping that result with a 2-0 victory against Belgium. They have recorded successive clean sheets in a World Cup for the first time since 1986, the only past finals where they went past the group stage.

Their third game in Qatar comes on Thursday against Canada, who cannot go any further after failing to pick up a point so far. Morocco may be able to qualify for the knockout phase even if they lose, such is their strong position.

Belgium, ranked second in the world, sit third in the group on three points, behind Morocco and Croatia who each have four. Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runners-up, will tackle Belgium at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, while Morocco and Canada do battle at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Regragui said his team "haven't done anything yet" and he emerged with a host of injury worries after the Belgium game, with star defenders Achraf Hakimi and Romain Saiss among his concerns.

However, the coach has no doubt over the collective will of his group.

"They're ready to die for it. That's the spirit I want to tell you about, they don't want to be benched," he said.

"We will face a hard team. They have been warning us a lot about Canada, so don't say that Canada is easy now. Canada are a great team, and we must respect them, so we can get a good result. The World Cup is not easy. We must fight towards the last minute, so that we can win."

Canada coach John Herdman has described his team's final outing at this World Cup as "a huge game". They were edged out 1-0 by Belgium before being picked apart 4-1 by Croatia, with the focus now on returning home with a consolation victory, which would be the country's first on the World Cup stage.

"We came here to make history," said Herdman. "This last game is about getting a result and winning for Canada, and really making this country believe that we're in the right direction for 2026."

Morocco have not lost in three previous meetings with Canada in all competitions (W2 D1), most recently enjoying a 4-0 friendly win in October 2016.

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Canada - Alphonso Davies

After missing a penalty against Belgium, the Bayern Munich full-back made a swift impact in the Croatia game by scoring after one minute and eight seconds, giving Canada their first goal in a World Cup. He was typically dynamic and created two chances for others. Davies leads all Canada players for total ball carry distance (473 metres) and chances created (5) so far in the tournament.

Morocco - Romain Saiss

Captain Saiss made 11 clearances out of a team total of 21 against Belgium and made a tremendous nuisance of himself at Morocco's attacking free-kicks, getting a flick to Abdelhamid Sabiri's delivery to put the underdogs in front. He also won four out of four aerial duels, leading by impressive example.

PREDICTION

Stats Perform's AI model gives Morocco a 46.5 per cent chance of taking three points from this one, with the draw rated a 26.2 per cent shot. A Canada win should not be entirely written off though. Herdman's side were impressive in getting through to the World Cup and will want to show a final flourish, with their prospects of a win rated at 27.3 per cent.

John Herdman suggested he will lead Canada on home soil at the next World Cup and says their campaign in Qatar has laid the foundations for an improved showing in 2026.

Canada impressed despite losing their Group F opener against Belgium last week, but their hopes of reaching the last 16 were ended when they surrendered an early lead in Sunday's 4-1 loss to Croatia.

Herdman's team are looking to avoid the ignominy of matching El Salvador's record for the most World Cup games played without avoiding defeat (six) when they face Morocco on Thursday, but the Reds' dynamic style has won them admirers on their first appearance at the tournament since 1986.

With Canada set to join Mexico and the United States in hosting the next World Cup, Herdman is focused on helping the side continue their upward trajectory.

Asked at Wednesday's pre-match press conference whether he would be coaching the team in 2026, Herdman said: "I will be tomorrow. I will be excited tomorrow, absolutely. 

"It's been 11 years of work in this country, and I have been pioneering for a long period of time. 

"You will not find anyone as passionate as I am about this programme, or about these players or about the staff. 

"You will not find anyone as passionate, who wants to take the company to that next level. You'll not meet anyone that's experienced this moment with this team, and the learnings that I'll take from this to take into the next one. 

"The one thing you've seen from us is we've always come back strong. In [the Women's World Cup in] 2015, we finished sixth.

"In the women's Olympics in 2016 we got back-to-back podiums, for the first time in over a century. Five years later, they take a gold medal [at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics].

"We came to this World Cup and [Belgium coach] Thierry Henry told me this team played them off the park. 

"I'll take that. Because if that's our foundation, we've got a great four years ahead, and I can't wait to get after it."

Canada have not beaten Morocco in the teams' three previous meetings (D1 L2), and they suffered a comprehensive 4-0 defeat when they last faced the Atlas Lions in a 2016 friendly.

Hansi Flick intends to remain in charge for Euro 2024 on home soil, even if Germany suffer a shock early elimination from the World Cup.

Germany are bottom of Group E heading into the final round of fixtures after losing 2-1 to Japan and drawing 1-1 with Spain in their opening two games.

That makes Flick just the second Germany manager to fail to win his first two World Cup games, after Josef Herberger, with none having failed to win their first three in charge.

The four-time world champions must now beat Costa Rica and hope Spain defeat Japan to guarantee a place in the last 16. 

A draw between Spain and Japan, or a victory for the latter, would take the equation down to goal difference should Germany pick up all three points against Costa Rica.

Exiting the competition at the first hurdle would raise questions over whether Flick should remain in the job, but the ex-Bayern Munich boss has no intention of stepping aside.

"I don't know what else will happen, but from my side, my contract runs to 2024 and I'm looking forward to the Euros," he said at Wednesday's pre-match press conference.

"But we have a while to go until then. We go into the Costa Rica match trying to make things clear from the start, to exert pressure – these are our intentions. 

"Of course we know it'll be difficult against a team who normally defends. We need to adopt the same mentality as we showed against Spain."

Germany failed to reach the knockout round in Russia four years ago and exited Euro 2020 at the last-16 stage in last year's rescheduled tournament.

 

Flick, who took over on the back of those disappointments, is hoping to avoid more major competition disappointment on Thursday.

When asked to explain why Germany have underwhelmed at recent tournaments, Flick said: "Maybe you can ask me this question tomorrow, though I hope not.

"Normally I'm an optimist who thinks positively. I'm not considering anything like [exiting the tournament] for the time being.

"We know it's not entirely in our own hands and it goes without saying we didn't get the result we wanted in the first game.

"But we're here to reach the knockouts and we'll play our next match with confidence. Whatever happens, happens. Like after the Japan loss, I'm not feeling any pressure.

"We're heading in the right direction. Things are getting better in training and we're continuing to learn. We're finding solutions with the ball and that's why I think we're improving."

Germany are facing Costa Rica at the World Cup for just a second time, having previously won 4-2 in the opening match of the 2006 edition when hosting the tournament.

They have won six of their eight World Cup matches against CONCACAF nations, though their only loss in that run was in their last such match against Mexico in 2018.

Costa Rica have won just one of their past 11 World Cup games against European nations, meanwhile, with that including a 7-0 loss to Spain in their opening group match.

However, Luis Fernando Suarez's side beat Japan last time out and can themselves reach the last 16 by defeating Germany at Al Bayt Stadium.

A draw would also be enough if Spain overcome Japan, as many expect, and Flick expects Costa Rica to set out defensively in order to take a point.

"If we look at the table then Costa Rica has an opportunity to go last 16 if they draw, so I assume they'll try to defend as much as possible as they did against Japan," he said. 

"It's important for us to find a solution. It's our own fault we're in this situation and now we have to do what we can. It's about giving 100 per cent and performing on the day."

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