World Cup: Spain vs. Germany predictions, preview and team news
When Spain were drawn in the same group as Germany at the 2022 Fifa World Cup, the clash between the two European heavyweights was billed as the game to watch during the opening stages in Qatar. Now, following the results on matchday one, there’s even more importance placed on Sunday’s group E fixture.
Spain, the World Cup winners in 2010, started their group campaign in style as they thrashed Costa Rica 7-0. For Germany though, the four-time world champions suffered a shock 2-1 defeat against Japan, which has left their qualification chances in the balance.
Both teams could do with “a return to success”, said Ian King on Football365. But Germany “probably need it more”. Four years ago in Russia, “Die Mannschaft” finished bottom of group G as they were knocked out at the first hurdle, and defeat to Spain on Sunday could see them face the same predicament.
A “debacle” was how German newspaper Bild described the loss against Japan on Wednesday, while Welt said the national team had once again made “a fool out of themselves” at the start of a major tournament, having lost 1-0 to Mexico in their opening match of the 2018 World Cup.
The last time the two teams met Spain hammered Germany 6-0 in a Uefa Nations League match in November 2020. The Germans have not won a competitive fixture against La Roja since a 2-0 victory at Euro 1988.
Match facts
- Who: Spain vs. Germany
- What: Fifa World Cup group E matchday two
- When: Sunday 27 November 2022
- Where: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
- Kick-off time: 7pm (all times GMT)
How to watch on TV in the UK
Sunday’s group E clash between Spain and Germany will be shown live in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. TV coverage begins at 6.30pm and the match kicks-off at 7pm.
Team news
Spain head coach Luis Enrique could stick with the same 11 that started against Costa Rica. He did, however, change half his outfield by making five substitutions. Trying to “second-guess” Enrique is “a thankless task”, said Grey Whitebloom on 90min.
Germany winger Leroy Sane missed the defeat against Japan because of a knee injury and is a doubt for Sunday’s game. Head coach Hansi Flick is not expected to make too many changes, but could bring in Niclas Füllkrug in place of Kai Havertz in attack.
Possible starting XIs
- Spain: Simon; Azpilicueta, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Gavi, Busquets, Pedri; Torres, Asensio, Olmo
- Germany: Neuer; Kehrer, Rüdiger, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Kimmich, Gündogan; Gnabry, Müller, Musiala; Füllkrug
Takuma Asano scored Japan’s winner against Germany
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
Predictions
Spain were “rampant in front of goal” against Costa Rica and they “breezed to victory” the last time they met with Germany, said Oliver Thomas on SportsMole. Expect a “tighter affair” on Sunday though. While Germany are “sure to be fired up” for this pivotal clash, we can see Luis Enrique’s side “coming out on top”, potentially ending Die Mannschaft’s brief stint in Qatar. Prediction: Spain 2 Germany 0.
Article source: https://www.theweek.co.uk/news/sport/football/958638/fifa-world-cup-spain-vs-germany-predictions-preview