Despite being starters, Germany were knocked out in the group stage four years ago in Russia, and they are desperate to avoid a repeat when they face Costa Rica in Group E.
The Germans suffered a stunning opening defeat against Japan, but salvaged a draw against Spain in their next game.
Germany need to beat Costa Rica to have any chance of progressing, and even then goal difference could still be a factor.
Costa Rica started their campaign on the wrong end of a 7-0 loss to Spain, but they proved their mettle with a 1-0 win over Japan and are still in contention to qualify.
German coach Hansi Flick laughed off suggestions he would lose his job if his team collapsed.
“You never know what’s in store for us, but I’m looking forward to Germany’s home European Championship (in 2024),” he said.
“I have a contract until 2024. But it’s still a long way off.”
Spain are not yet assured of their place in the last 16 – a loss to Japan would put the Japanese through and could allow Germany or Costa Rica to overtake them.
Belgium would be knocked out of the tournament if they lost to Croatia, drowning the hopes of aging players including Kevin De BruyneEden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois in what is surely their last World Cup.
Roberto Martinez’s side have failed to convince so far in Qatar, narrowly beating Canada in their first game before losing to Morocco in their second game and disputes have been reported in the camp.
A win against Croatia would give Belgium a place in the last 16, but a draw would leave them needless Canada to beat Morocco elsewhere in Group F, with goal difference deciding who progresses.
Playmaker De Bruyne has looked discolored so far, while injury has limited the striker Romelu Lukaku to a single substitute appearance.
Michy Batshuayi scored Belgium’s only goal and they will need to find new kit against Croatia, who recovered from conceding an early goal to thrash Canada 4-1 in their last game.
Belgian defender Timothy Castagne said on Wednesday: “Our confidence is not as low as people think.
“It’s true that we didn’t play so well in the first two games but we are not in crisis mode as some say in the press.”
Croatia will be looking to take another step towards a possible second consecutive final, while Morocco will be aiming to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time since 1986.
If Wednesday’s action is any guide, Thursday’s Group Finals could provide more nerve-wracking drama.
A four-way battle for the last 16 spots in Group C between Argentina, Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia has come to a head.
While Argentina climbed to the top of the table after taking a 2-0 lead against Poland, the identity of the team that joined them in the round of 16 was at stake until the deepest stoppage time in Mexico’s 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia.
A third Mexico goal would have been enough to take them into the last 16; rather it was Poland who won thanks to a slightly superior goal difference.
Argentina will now face Australia in the round of 16 after the Socceroos confused pre-tournament chances to defeat Denmark 1-0 and claim second place in Group D.
France, who were already virtually assured of top spot in the table, were beaten 1-0 by Tunisia after coach Didier Deschamps opted to rest most of their first-choice line-up.
