When the World Cup draw got here out in April, one of many highlights of the group stage was Sunday’s Spain v Germany on the Al Bayt Stadium.
Eight months later, a recreation between two former world champions and pre-tournament favorites gained much more prominence, because of Germany’s shock defeat of Japan of their opener in Qatar. Another blow in opposition to Spain this weekend and Germany might go residence early for a second World Cup in a row.
A defeat – at the very least coupled with a draw by Japan in opposition to Costa Rica on Sunday – would imply elimination for the four-time champions. Meanwhile, Spain want to safe their place within the subsequent stage and cement their place as one of many prime title contenders after a formidable 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica of their opener.
The indicators for Germany will not be encouraging. Its most up-to-date match in opposition to Spain was an embarrassing 6–0 defeat within the Nations League two years in the past. Its final victory in opposition to “La Rosa” got here eight years in the past in a pleasant match.
Germany received their fourth World Cup title in Brazil in 2014, however did not make it out of the group stage in 2018 after losses to South Korea and Mexico. This could be the primary time he would fail to advance previous the group stage in back-to-back tournaments.
Spain received their solely World Cup in 2010 in South Africa and have been eradicated within the spherical of 16 in 2018 in Russia. If Costa Rica doesn’t beat Japan, a win in opposition to Germany would put Spain by to the final 16. Expectations grew round Spain’s youth crew following their excellent efficiency in opposition to Costa Rica, when the crew reintroduced the “tiki-taka” model of ball-possession and the 18-year-old Gavi turned the youngest participant since Pelé in 1958. World Cup scorer.
The seven objectives scored in opposition to Costa Rica matched Spain’s match whole from Russia in 2018.
Spain coach Luis Enrique stated, “This result has boosted our morale.”
“But now we have to play against a Germany team that needs a win.” Luis Enrique stated he was not fearful concerning the overconfidence of his younger gamers, and promised to make modifications to the beginning lineup for Sunday’s match, with out elaborating.
Winger Leroy Sane might return for Germany after lacking the match in opposition to Japan with a knee harm. This would be the fifth assembly between the powerhouses on the World Cup, with Spain successful 1–0 most just lately within the semi-finals of the 2010 match.
Spain has not misplaced to Germany in official competitions for the reason that 1988 European Championship, with two attracts and three wins since then. Germany have misplaced three of their final 4 World Cup matches for the reason that match in Russia.
She made headlines earlier than the kickoff in opposition to Japan by protecting her face to protest FIFA’s imposition of the “One Love” armband. It was unclear whether or not he would repeat the gesture forward of the match in opposition to Spain.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
