Female referees make history in Germany vs Costa Rica World Cup match

3:23 p.m. ET, December 1, 2022

Female referees make history in Germany vs Costa Rica World Cup match

From CNN's Clint Alwahab and Issy Ronald

Referee Stephanie Frappart warms up alongside assistant referees Karen Diaz, left, and Neuza Back, right, before the match between Germany and Costa Rica. (Matthew Childs/Reuters)

Stéphanie Frappart made history on Thursday as the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup match.

Alongside assistants Neuza Back from Brazil and Karen Diaz from Mexico, the French referee is part of an all-female refereeing trio currently officiating Costa Rica vs. Germany in their Group E match.

In 2019, Frappart became the first female referee to take charge of a Ligue 1 match; in August 2019, the first to take charge of a major men’s European match; and in 2020, the first to officiate a men’s UEFA Champions League match.

Frappart before the match on Thursday. (Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters)

Assistants referee Karen Diaz looks on during gameplay. (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Costa Rica's Yeltsin Tejeda argues with Frappart. (Matthew Childs/Reuters)

Referee assistant Neuza Back warms up prior to the match. (Moises Castillo/AP)

Frappart runs past Ilkay Gundogan of Germany during gameplay. (Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

3:05 p.m. ET, December 1, 2022

Second half is underway in Costa Rica vs Germany

Costa Rica will look to erase its 1-0 deficit against Germany in the second half.

As things stand in both Group E matches, Germany would currently move on to the Round of 16.

The Germans' most direct path to the knockout stage is a Spain win against Japan and a victory of their own against Costa Rica.

The Costa Ricans are also rooting for a Spanish victory, but they'll first need to pull ahead of Germany if they want a shot at advancing.

3:01 p.m. ET, December 1, 2022

Japan's quest for an equalizer against Spain begins with this second half

Japan's Junya Ito shoots at goal against Spain on Thursday. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

The Samurai Blue will look for an equalizer in this second half during their rescue campaign in these next 45 minutes (plus stoppage time).

Japan has been taking risks, trying to create some openings to score that first goal, but they've struggled to get possession of the ball, and so far, the team has only amassed three yellow cards.

Remember: If Japan loses, it will be eliminated from the World Cup.

Spain 1-0 Japan

2:51 p.m. ET, December 1, 2022

Germany leads 1-0 at halftime

Germany's Jamal Musiala, right, controls the ball next to his teammate Leon Gorentzka during their match against Costa Rica. (Matthias Schrader/AP)

It's halftime for Costa Rica and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium.

The Germans lead 1-0, despite a few late chances for Costa Rica to equalize.

3:06 p.m. ET, December 6, 2022

Spain leads Japan 1-0 as the teams go into halftime

Spain's Álvaro Morata in action against Japan. (Susana Vera/Reuters)

Japan has had to do a lot of chasing in the first half with Spain dominating possession of the ball for 77% of play time. La Furia Roja has also taken double the shots at the Samurai Blue’s goal.

Japan will go back to the locker room for a brainstorm on how they could score the equalizer after that header from Spain's Álvaro Morata.

Spain 1-0 Japan

2:28 p.m. ET, December 1, 2022

Álvaro Morata scores an opener for Spain

Álvaro Morata of Spain celebrates scoring his side's first goal against Japan on Thursday. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Striker Álvaro Morata headed the ball into the net after receiving a cross from defender César Azpilicueta to score an opening goal for Spain in the 12th minute of the game!

2:22 p.m. ET, December 1, 2022

GOAL! Germany takes an early 1-0 lead

Germany's Serge Gnabry, center, scores his team's first goal against Costa Rica on Thursday. (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The Germans have pulled ahead in their Group E match against Costa Rica.

Midfielder Serge Gnabry opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a header – off a cross from David Raum – shortly after missing an almost identical attempt.

It's 1-0, Germany.

2:00 p.m. ET, December 1, 2022

The Group E matches just kicked off

Japan vs Spain is underway at Khalifa International Stadium and Costa Rica vs Germany has begun at Al Bayt Stadium.

These matches will decide who moves on to the knockout stage from Group E. Let's go!

1:47 p.m. ET, December 1, 2022

Here are the stakes in the 2 matches between 4 teams at 2 p.m. ET

A general view inside Al Bayt Stadium prior to the match between Costa Rica and Germany on Thursday. (Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Spain faces Japan and Costa Rica faces Germany at 2 p.m. ET. They are all vying for two spots in the Round of 16.

Here's how the scenarios could shake out:

Spain will qualify for the Round of 16 with a win or a draw. A loss to Japan would leave them relying on goal difference to progress (though they currently have a sizable lead). That's unless Costa Rica beat Germany, in which case Spain will be out with a loss.
Japan can go through with a victory against Spain. A draw coupled with deadlock in the Costa Rica vs Germany clash would also ensure they progress. They will go out if they are beaten by Spain, or if the match ends in a draw and Costa Rica triumphs against Germany. Goal difference will decide Japan's fate if they draw and Germany is victorious.
Costa Rica can reach the last 16 by defeating Germany. The team can also move on if Spain overcomes Japan. But if the current group leaders are beaten, then goal difference comes into play. A draw in both games or a defeat for Costa Rica puts them out.
Germany must pick up three points to stay in contention. Victory over Costa Rica coupled with a win for Spain against Japan will see them qualify. A draw between Luis Enrique’s side and the Samurai Blue, or a win for Japan, would take the equation to goal difference. All other results would see Hansi Flick’s men out of the competition.

December 1, 2022 World Cup news and highlights