Ecstasy in Morocco and Japan and gloom in Germany and Belgium brought yesterday’s World Cup group stage matches, while in Spain anxiety over a sudden loss to the Japanese was quickly replaced by satisfaction at… the more convenient path they seem to have taken. the “furious Rochas” to the semi-finals – after they avoided relegation thanks to a German victory.

Indeed, the Spaniards may have chosen to face Morocco in the round of 16 instead of 2018 finalists Croatia, while avoiding the path that crosses Brazil and Argentina.

The Germans seem to have been more upset by Spain’s 2–1 defeat to Japan (the headline of the Berliner Zeitung was “The Cathar Turn”), as it marked their second straight elimination from the first leg, which veteran Thomas Miller called “an absolute disaster” and fellow team. Kai Havertz horror movie.

German newspaper Bild yesterday headlined “The Drama of Millimeters”, avoiding direct references to Germany’s result in order to focus on Japan’s controversial second goal. When the ball, according to VAR’s electronic eye, was marginally inside the field before the winning goal, television footage appeared showing it gone, prompting questions and protests.

How worried the Japanese were: “We showed the world what Japanese guts look like,” said Japanese defender Yuto Nagatomo in a burst of pride as Tokyo turned into street parties in a rare holiday by Japanese standards.

Qataris and Saudis support Morocco – Heavy climate in Germany and Belgium.

However, the festivities of the Japanese far surpassed those of the Moroccans and other Arabs, as an informal Arab alliance was established in the streets and on the platforms of Qatar. Hosts Qatar have already been eliminated, as have neighbors Saudi Arabia, but those Arabs who came to the tournament from other countries have joined forces since Thursday evening to celebrate Morocco’s triumphant entry into the next stage, when for the first time a North African team finishes first in the World Cup group.

On the other hand, in Belgium the consequences of early foreclosure were much more severe than in Germany. This departure also marks the end of an era for one of the best sets of footballers the country has ever had, repeatedly reaching the top of the world rankings but without any titles.

It also marked the departure of manager Roberto Martínez as the Spaniard resigned after more than six years in charge of the Belgian national team.

And the press in Belgium resorted to bitter and ironic comments about the “Red Devils”, emphasizing that they once again fell short of expectations. Romelu Lukaku was targeted because of the very big chances he missed in yesterday’s match against Croatia and Dernie Er called him an “anti-hero”.