Ep 26 | FTP at WC22: Group E - Germany, Japan, Spain, Costa Rica

What a wild World Cup group this was! Over the course of two hours during the last set of group matches, there were nine changes to the final table, and all four teams — Germany, Japan, Spain, and Costa Rica — occupied one of the two qualification spots at one point. After the final whistles blew, despite winning their match against Costa Rica, 4-time World Cup champions Germany were out. Despite losing against Japan, 2010’s World Cup champs Spain were in. And Japan, the first team out of Asia, Africa or Oceania with multiple wins against former champions at the World Cup, reached the knockout stages in consecutive World Cups - another first. But how would the Footy Travelers’ time spent with fans from these nations stack up? Would there be as much drama? Would VAR have to step in? Find out in the latest episode of the best podcast out right now (when it comes to sharing stories and experiences around footy travels, that is.)!

Foot(y)notes:

Germany

If this website is any proof, Oktoberfest can be found in more than just Munich.

Japan

Here’s a good pros and cons breakdown for the Hakuba vs Niseko debate. 

Spain

Yes! Spain has skiing. Here’s a look at their ski resorts. 

Costa Rica

It’s not all surfing and Imperial in Costa, check out this guide to all the rainforests in the land of Pura Vida.