The Germans are bottom of the group having gained only one point from their two matches so far, raising the spectre of another first-round exit following their early elimination in Russia four years ago.
Even victory over the Costa Ricans may not be enough, and Germany will be looking to Spain to inflict defeat on Japan to open the door to the next round.
Spain top the group on four points ahead of Japan and Costa Rica, both on three.
Four-times world champions Germany will be hoping to score a bagful of goals against Costa Rica, who had just one shot on target in their two matches.
A win over Costa Rica coupled with victory for Spain will see Germany advance but a draw between Luis Enrique's side and the Japanese, or even a win for Japan, would bring goal difference in to play.
Scoring has not been a strong point for Hansi Flick's team but centre forward Niclas Fullkrug's (29) excellent run for club and country in recent months has improved their prospects.
Fullkrug, an unlikely addition to the squad prior to the tournament, snatched a late equaliser against Spain after coming on as a substitute to keep their hopes alive going into the final group match.
The burly striker is now a serious option to lead the line on Thursday with many German pundits and fans demanding he start.
However, assistant coach Marcus Sorg dampened expectations over Fullkrug, saying he was "not a cure-all" for the team's problems.
"We have to see what effect which player has at any given time," Sorg said. "We need a certain structure, stability and security. Security comes with consistency."
Whatever line-up Germany go with, they know their task is to preserve what remains of their once powerful tournament reputation, having failed to win the first two matches in a World Cup group for the first time.
Remaining realistic
"I think against Costa Rica we will be a lot of the time in the opponents' box compared to our game against Spain and there it will come down to how we play in the box," attacking midfielder Thomas Muller told a news conference on Tuesday.
"We have a lot humility. We have one point and minus one goal difference so there is no reason to be really euphoric."
"But we still have the chance to advance and show the football world what we have," he said.
With simultaneous kickoffs for the final matches, the Germans will have one eye on Spain, hoping qualification will not come down to goal difference.
"It is important to simultaneously monitor the other game because you can adapt your strategy a bit accordingly," said Muller.
"We want to play the best game we can and win it but I do not think you can say that an 8-0 is a realistic concept at a World Cup."
Asked whether Fullkrug's goal against the Spaniards was a turning-point for their tournament, Muller, playing in his fourth World Cup, said: "We will need more golden moments that are required for such a tournament process."
As for World Cup novice Fuellkrug, who at 29 made his debut days before the World Cup, that goal was not going to derail his focus.
"It was still only a 1-1 but it gives us energy," Fullkrug said. "The work continues. We have to be realistic. We are in a situation that we can advance but it is not all in our hands."
