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Germany boss Hansi Flick made a "humane substitution" in the 93rd minute against Costa Rica on Thursday.
The four-time World Cup winners were eliminated at the group stage for the second consecutive tournament after Japan came from behind to beat Spain 2-1 in the other game to top Group E.
The ball looked out of play for the Samurai Blue's winner in the 51st winner but a VAR check meant the goal was given - with images released later on confirming the right call was made.
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Germany produced a comeback of their own to beat Costa Rica 4-2, with Kai Havertz bagging a brace.
But it wasn't enough and Flick already knew they were heading home early. Thus, he made a wonderful gesture to defender Matthias Ginter in the latter stages.
The Eintracht Frankfurt man was earned his 48th cap for Germany but this was his first appearance in World Cup despite it being tournament.
Ginter was first included in the squad as Die Mannschaft's youngest player in 2014 when Germany went all the way.
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He was then selected again four years later but made unwanted history by becoming the first German outfield player to go to two World Cups without playing a single minute.
But he finally featured in the World Cup after Flick decided to bring him on for Niklas Sule in the dying embers against Costa Rica.
Germany finished third behind Spain on goal difference and their World Cup campaign was captured by the cameras as part of a six-part Amazon Prime documentary.
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It was confirmed back in September that cameras would follow Germany’s preparations for the showpiece in Qatar, as well as their progress at the tournament itself.
Reports say footage of their round of 16 defeat to England at Euro 2020 will also feature and it could be a tough watch for German supporters.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Germany, Football World Cup
