Group E, faces a defining day on Sunday as sides like Spain and Germany battle for pole position at the 2022 World Cup.
The two European giants endured differing results on the opening matchday, leaving Spain comfortable and Germany restless after a victory and a defeat respectively.
Japan have a wonderful chance of reaching the last 16, while Costa Rica have it all to do after an embarrassing defeat to Spain.
Spain
Spain at the World Cup so far
Spain opened up their 2022 World Cup campaign by smashing Costa Rica 7-0 on Wednesday.
La Roja didn't play with a classic striker up front but wasted little time in attack as Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio and Ferran Torres all netted to have them 3-0 up just after the half hour mark.
A second for Torres coupled with further strikes for Gavi, Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata made it a huge win for Spain, boosting their goal difference with a clinical performance.
What do Spain need?
Spain's huge win makes them favourites to qualify from Group E in first place.
If Japan beat or draw with Costa Rica, Spain can seal their spot in the last 16 by beating Germany before the final matchday.
Germany
Germany at the World Cup so far
Germany still harbour scars from their embarrassing 2018 title defence and matters weren't helped by a shock defeat to Japan.
Ilkay Gundogan's header had given Hansi Flick's side the initiative, but a second-half capitulation saw them slip to a 2-1 defeat.
What do Germany need?
Germany's opening defeat has made their task of reaching the last 16 much tougher.
They will hope Costa Rica can provide an upset by holding or beating Japan to ensure their game against Spain isn't make or break.
However, if Japan do avoid defeat, Germany will be eliminated if they lose to Spain.
Japan
Japan at the World Cup so far
Japan knew they were outsiders for a qualification spot when they were drawn with Spain and Germany, but their opening win against the Germans has put the Asian side in a strong position.
Gundogan's penalty had put Hajime Moriyasu's side behind, but two goals in eight minutes from Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano gave Japan a historic World Cup win.
What do Japan need?
Following that victory over Germany, Japan are in a wonderful position to qualify for the last 16.
If they beat Costa Rica, they will qualify before their final game if Germany fail to beat Spain later on Sunday.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica at the World Cup so far
Costa Rica are firmly the outside shot to qualify from Group E. They showed little in attack to bother Spain in that 7-0 defeat, with Keylor Navas looking uninspired between the sticks.
They will look to the experience of Joel Campbell up front to try to poach them a few goals, but the thrashing has put Costa Rica firmly on the back foot.
What do Costa Rica need?
Costa Rica's dismal showing means it's unlikely we'll see a repeat of any 2014 heroics when they escaped a group including Uruguay, Italy and England as winners.
They have to beat Japan first up. If they lose that game and Spain aren't defeated by Germany, the Central Americans will be out with a game to spare.
