SPAGNA – GERMANY | Sunday 8pm
It’s a clash of ‘giants’ in Group E, even though there has only been one so far. And that is undoubtedly Spain, who went far beyond expectations in their debut match, strolling over the unfortunate Costa Rica in a one-sided game, which ended with a seven-goal deficit (7-0) for the Central American selection, who essentially never got beyond the midfield, as confirmed by the numbers. Which are truly merciless: zero shots on goal and barely 18% ball possession. La Roja did not hesitate, it made things clear from the start and took the lead by exploiting the unlimited technical skills of its players. A choral football, always and in any case proactive that of Luis Enrique’s men. This was demonstrated by the fact that practically half the team scored: from Ferran Torres (two goals) to Morata, passing through Asensio, Soler, Dani Olmo and the 2004-born jewel Gavi, the third youngest player to score in a World Cup.
The exact opposite of Germany, the other big disappointment of this first day of Qatar 2022 along with Argentina. The Mannschaft should have taken three comfortable points against Japan and instead the first match with the Japanese had a disastrous outcome for Hansi Flick’s men. In the lead thanks to a penalty kick converted by Gundogan after a siege that lasted practically one half, the Germans ended up wasting too much and ‘forgiving’ the opposing defence several times. And in the second half, as soon as the pace dropped, they were pounced on by two ‘sons of the Bundesliga’, Doan and Asano. An ugly and unexpected fall that seriously complicated Germany’s path on Qatari soil. Losing to the highly-launched Spain would mean almost being doomed, especially if Japan were to get the better of Costa Rica in the morning.
By the way, the precedents do not bode well for the Germans, who have not beaten the Spaniards in an official match since 1988. In addition to playing each other in the Euro 2008 final fourteen years ago, the two sides recently met in the 2021-21 Nations League group. After the 1-1 draw in Stuttgart in the first leg, it is impossible not to remember Germany’s resounding debacle in Seville, where it ended 6-0 to the Roja.
Spain-Germany: latest line-up news
Kimmich
Impossible that Luis Enrique will decide to change something compared to the match, dominated far and wide, against Costa Rica. The former Roma and Barcelona coach will confirm the now well-trodden 4-3-3 with Asensio at the centre of the offensive trident in place of Morata, who has recovered from injury but will still start from the bench. On either side of the Real Madrid striker will be Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo. He will rely on the experience of Busquets at the back, surrounded by youngsters Pedri and Gavi for a midfield of the blaugrana brand. In defence, Rodri and Laporte will be the two centre-backs, with Azpilicueta and Jordi Alba on the flanks.
Germany suffers from the absence of a true centre forward. But this time, too, Flick will start the match with Havertz as a false nueve in the 4-2-3-1 of ‘Bayernian memory’. Behind him will be Gnabry, Muller and Musiala, although the returning Sané will kick off.
The Prediction
The pressure will be all on Germany’s shoulders in this match, which Muller and his teammates absolutely cannot afford to lose. A not inconsiderable advantage for Spain: La Roja impressed in the opener, albeit against an uncompetitive opponent, and seems to be getting better. It promises to be an interesting match, especially on a tactical level, between two teams that share a distinct offensive mentality and both love to dribble. Spain should be able to avoid defeat in a match with at least one goal each.
Spain-Germany line-ups
- SPAIN (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Azpilicueta, Rodri, Laporte, Jordi Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; Ferran Torres, Asensio, Dani Olmo.
- GERMANY (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Sule, Rudiger, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Kimmich, Gundogan; Gnabry, Muller, Musiala; Havertz.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
