Hansi Flick fine with flak as Germany head home

Hansi Flick said Germany only had themselves to blame after they crashed out in the group stages of the World Cup.

The four-time world champions were already facing a scramble to keep their tournament hopes alive following defeat to Japan and a draw against Spain.

And despite recording a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica, with Chelsea's Kai Havertz scoring twice, Japan's 2-1 comeback win against Spain sealed their fate.

At half-time - and with Spain 1-0 up following Alvaro Morata's strike - Germany were on course for a last-16 tie against Morocco.

But that dramatically changed within minutes of the restart when Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka fired Japan to victory as they topped Group E.

But manager Flick said: "I don't care about other teams because it is all up to us. If you look at the matches and the number of goals, it is our fault.

"I am convinced we had possibilities and chances in the match against Spain to win, but you have to take those chances and score and then it would have been a different situation for us.

"There are so many reasons (for Germany's exit), but I am not looking to find excuses. We did not have a lot of time to train, but it is not down to that. We fulfilled our duty today and went off the pitch with a victory, but the result could have been better."

Flick has only been Germany head coach for 18 months following his appointment after their last-16 defeat to England at last summer's European Championship.

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But in the wake of Germany's group-stage departure -