Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has criticised Spain's omission of David de Gea from their World Cup squad, as he slammed goalkeeper Unai Simon for what would have been a "fatal" mistake in a knockout game during their 2-1 defeat to Japan on Thursday night.
After beating Germany 2-1 earlier in the tournament, Japan upset the odds once more as they came from behind to beat Luis Enrique's side and finish top of Group E. Before the tournament started, Spain and Germany looked a shoo-in to qualify for the round of 16, with the only question seemingly being which of the two sides would claim top spot.
Yet Japan stunned both Germany and Spain with near carbon copy sucker-punch 2-1 victories, as Hansi Flick's side crashed out at the group stages despite their 4-2 win over Costa Rica. In fact, if it had not been for their 7-0 win over Costa Rica, the Spain squad would have been the side to exit the group as they avoided elimination on goal difference alone.
