FIFA World Cup: Japan Knocks Off Germany; Spaniards Destroy Ticos; Goose Eggs For Morocco and Croatia; Belgium Holds Off Canada

 Group-stage play in the FIFA World Cup continued on Wednesday with four games contested in Qatar.

GROUP E:

At Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan:

Ritsu Doan (75') and Tamuka Asano (83') each scored once as Japan knocked off Germany 2-1.

At Al Thumama Stadium, Doha:

Ferran Torres scored twice (PK-31', 54') as Spain stomped on Costa Rica 7-0.

Group E Standings:

1. Spain (GP: 1; GD: +7; PTS: 3)

2. Japan (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)

3. Germany (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)

4. Costa Rica (GP: 1; GD: -7; PTS: 0)

GROUP F:

At Bayt Stadium, Al Khor:

Morocco and Croatia battled to a 0-0 stalemate.

At Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan:

Michy Batshayi scored the game's lone goal in the 44th minute as Belgium defeated Canada 1-0.

Group F Standings:

1. Belgium (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)

2. Croatia (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)

3. Morocco (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)

4. Canada (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)

Fair play points:

Croatia 0, Morocco -1