Al Khor (Qatar), Dec 2 (AP) Germany was eliminated from the group stage of the World Cup for the second tournament in a row.

The four-time champions beat Costa Rice 4-2 Thursday but it wasn't enough to advance to the round of 16. Japan's 2-1 victory over Spain allowed both of those teams to advance instead, with the Japanese team at the top of the group.

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Playing as defending champions at the last World Cup, Germany also exited early. (AP)

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